Not Too Shabby

My first attempt at French Braids. I figure with two little ladies in the house, I've GOT to learn.

WWII Airshow

Hannah Beth looks like she is giving me some sass.

Chris and I both love history, especially American history. We are constantly trying to teach our children how this Great Nation came to be. On Sunday, we went out to a World War II Airshow to get a history lesson or two. What an absolute blast. They had camps set up and WWII reenactors dressed up. They played music from the 40s and had some great singers too. My favorite part of the day was meeting 3 WWII Pearl Harbor Survivors. I just love hearing their stories and thanking them for the part that they had in protecting my freedom that day.

Graduate

We are so very proud of you, Luke Steele. I cannot believe how quickly this year has flown by. You have grown in so many ways and have learned so much. I love that when we read bedtime stories together, you now read to me. You are kind and considerate and so thoughtful of others. You are everyone's friend and have a joy for life like no one I know. You have a try, try again attitude when you run into something that is challenging. I am so blessed to be able to call you my son.

You LOVE Jesus and know so many Bible stories by heart. You shine Jesus's light to everyone you meet and truly have a heart for Him. You are an awesome big brother to your two little sisters. Hayley looks up to you and feels loved and protected by you. Hannah just giggles when you are around and thinks you are the best thing in the world.

On Friday, you will no longer be a Kindergartner, you will be my big 1st grader. You are more than ready for things in store next year. I know you are so excited about riding the bus (Mama is not so much). Daddy and I love you so very much. We can't wait to see the plans God has in store for you next year. Love you, Boo! XOXOXOXO

My Budding Artist

If you can't find Hayley in the house, check the playroom. That is where we keep all of our arts and crafts supplies. This girl can spend hours drawing, cutting, gluing, painting, coloring, and creating all kind of things. She has such a huge imagination. She loves to "rearrange" her room. I never know where her reading chair, vanity, or doll house will end up. She decorates her bed with a different theme every morning (a tea party, Barbie party, or stuffed animals on parade).

She has helped this type A mama to relax (a little) when it comes to messes. To her, it is not a mess. It is the spot where her beloved Bunny Bunny naps or where Anna (her baby doll) goes to school.

Luke was over at a friend's house one afternoon, and we broke out the paints while Hannah Beth was napping. She labored over her masterpiece for 40 minutes and hung it on her wall when she was done. I just can't wait to see what she will create next.

The Reason I Keep Shoeboxes

I have some precious things to put in them.....

Happy Dance

So many fun things coming up and happening, I will just have to make a list:

1. Only a week and a half until school is out for SUMMER! No schedule, lazy mornings, library trips, vacation, birthdays, grilling out, fun at the pool......ahhhhhhh

2. One of my best friends, her husband, and their crew of 5 are coming to stay with us in two weeks. I haven't seen Kelly in just over two years because Mike has been stationed in Korea! To say I am excited is an understatement!!!

3. Our trip to Atlanta and Fripp Island! Can't wait to see our family, friends, and introduce Hannah Beth to everyone.

4. HUGE sleep note here!!!! Hannah Beth is completely out of her swaddle and sleeping like a champ. Last night we decided it was time to break her of the 10:30pm feeding and she slept all through the night!!!!! She did wake at 11:00pm and fussed off and on for about 45 minutes, but after that we didn't hear from her until 6:15 am. Hooray!

Goodship Lollipop

Miss Hayley Anne in her precious dance costume. Just had too share....

Honeysuckles

Honeysuckles remind me of being a kid. There were huge honeysuckle bushes growing on a fence at the elementary school I attended. I loved the wonderful smell of them and of course the little drop of dew that tasted so sweet when it dropped in my mouth.

We have a large honeysuckle bush in our backyard at this house. The kids and I spent an hour or so just tasting as many of the flowers as we could. What a fun time to share with them.

This Is How She Rolls...

Meet Gibby

Anyone who knows me would say that I am not a big fan of little creatures of the night. Gena, if you are reading this, you know you are my hero! She saved me from a mouse in our house in Jacksonville. It was quite the spectacle involving an air vent, a large plastic box, heavy books, a mouse trap, a pair of tongs that now live in a trash dump somewhere, and lots of squealing and screaming (not with delight).

Luke comes home SO excited about his new class pet, Gibby. Yes, Gibby is of the nocturnal rodent kind, a hamster. My skin began to crawl just thinking about the little fur ball. Luke began to explain that Mrs. W had said students could bring Gibby home for an overnight stay to anyone whose parents would let them. He was so stinking thrilled about the possibility, who was I to crush the little man's dreams. Reluctantly, I said yes to having our little overnight guest, thinking Chris could handle the whole deal. Come to find out that the night we were assigned with Gibby, was the night that Chris teaches and doesn't get home until 9:30pm or so. GREAT!

We brought Gibby home and watched her/him (not sure which one) make a nest and play in her cage. I have to admit, Gibby was pretty cute. But then, Luke wanted me to take her out and put her in the little exercise ball. Oh my! I have to touch Gibby.....I began to panic but then decided that I was 10 times bigger than the little thing and I could do this!!! I successfully got Gibby into her ball and the kids had so much fun chasing her around. I was praying that she didn't escape and run and hide somewhere. Luckily, no escaping and I got her back into the cage with no problems.

So....will we ever have a pet hamster? That remains to be seen. Gibby was a very good overnight guest and the kids just LOVED her. Not sure about having one as a permanent resident in the Steele house. Only time will tell.......

We heart Aunt Holly

We love Aunt Holly. I mean, who wouldn't. She brings presents, she builds forts, she has dance parties, she lets us watch movies, she makes cinnamon toast, she paints our finger and toe nails purple (not Luke's toes and fingers), she plays Connect Four, she reads us stories, and just loves us to pieces. Can't wait to see her again in June!

Fort=FUN!

When I was a kid, I LOVED building forts. There was something about planning, gathering, building, and enjoying the fruits of my labor. I always felt so cozy and snug inside and loved pretending it was a boat or castle or a place for my secret club.

Luke and Hayley love forts too. One rainy Saturday, we pulled out the sheets and 10 minutes later we had a fort. They played in there for hours, until one of them (still don't know who) decided to make a "sunroof" and crawl through. It was great fun while it lasted.