Last day of Pre-K4 (Young 4's)

My sweet Bre has come so, so far. She started out at BPECC in Toddler 2 class, at about 22 months old. She had a terrible time transitioning from staying with my moms to an actual school setting. She made it through the year and then went onto Toddler 3 class. The entire year, she refused to speak to the teachers or students. We really worried about if she had a social problem and feared that this could be the beginning of something deeper. Thankfully, towards the end of the year she began to whisper to her teachers and that was HUGE for her. She has never been shy, she just refused to speak for some reason. This year, she moved up to the preschool section of the school and my Bre has just blossomed like a butterfly. She talks to her teachers and has made a ton of precious friends (mostly boys!) Academically she has just flourished. I worried for a little while that she was not grasping the letter/number concepts, but with time and maturity she has mastered her school work. I am just so proud of how hard she has worked and how far she has come. She misses the deadline for kindergarten, so she will do one more year in Pre-K4, which I think will be a great thing for her. It will give her the chance to grow and develop even more and really shine in all she does. 

I am thrilled with her social and academic growth, but we are working really hard with her spiritual heart as well. We have struggled from day 1 with Bre being very strong willed and a challenge and we still battle that on a daily basis. I only say that because I don't want to paint a picture of all sunshine and roses with my children. I want to be real and honest. Raising children is very hard and Bre likes to keep us on our toes for sure. Aubrey would take a spanking almost everyday and not bat an eye...it just doesn't bother her. She will do what she intends to do, even if it means a punishment. I can totally see myself in her and I really want to teach her to overcome that need for power and control.  

Somethings that Christian and I are seeing success with are through much, much prayer. We pray over her, with her, and even encourage her to pray with us about herself! She has a tender heart when it comes to the Lord and she wants to do what is right in His eyes...so we really try to focus her attention on that. Another great tool for Bre has been learning scripture. I have seen a huge difference in her heart when she is saturated with the Word. We listen to GT and the Halo Express in the car, it's a story and songs with only scripture, and although I am sick of listening to it, I do see a changed in her heart just from hearing the word again and again. Another thing that we have found helpful is staying calm and simply taking something of importance away from her. Getting angry, yelling or even spanking is not effective for her...but having to give up her Ipad for the day, go to bed early or even lose a dessert is a sure way to get her attention. She realizes that good things are reserved for good behavior. She cherishes a night where she gets to stay up late and hang with mom and dad...treats like that are a huge incentive to obey throughout the day. 

Aubrey is an amazing little girl and she has so much life and love in her little heart. I am beyond proud of how far she has come and I honestly can't wait to see the progress she will continue to make. I thank God everyday for giving me a little girl...a spunky...spitfire of a little girl but one that is all mine. 

So here is to you my Bre...continue to shine...continue to be a leader and not afraid to be different. Keep striving to please the Lord above all things and don't ever lose your radiant smile. Mommy and Daddy love you and we are so thankful for all you have taught us along the way! 

Gearing up for Summer!

Whew! What a busy few weeks we have had. I have been terrible at blogging lately and I can't tell you how many times I have written posts in my head and thought to myself...I gotta remember to write about that.  However life gets crazy busy and my good intentions often get pushed aside for when duty calls. My two little ones are non-stop, crazy, busy...almost all the time so I have to use every bit of energy and stamina just to survive. As my belly gets bigger (um hello 30 weeks!), my ability to keep up gets drastically smaller. I am trying so hard not to miss out on my cuties by being uncomfortable and immobile, I so want to enjoy the summer break with them and do all the things we normally do like the park, pool and splash park...however I am barely able to pack lunches and get out the door without exhaustion! I am constantly reminding myself that they just need love and attention...not non-stop excitement or entertainment.

We have started introducing the potty to Weston and he has not really taken off...at all. I have yet to witness him actually do anything in the potty, Christian says he has tee-teed but I'm not sure it wasn't just a fluke. He loves to sit on the toilet, use tons of toilet paper and flush endlessly...just not actually use the restroom. Nothing like sister making a video of brother on the potty.  I am sure Weston will cherish this picture forever.

We had a fun playdate with our cousins at the splash park, such sweet girls!

Our dear friend opened a snowball stand in our area and we have been making ourselves frequent customers! Red Velvet snowballs are my weakness for sure!

Bre had her artshow at school and it was just precious. She was so proud to show off her hard work. Oh and cake was served so that was a bonus for her!

 Aubrey snapped this one of me and Weston. I just love and adore this boy. Girl cowboy boots and all!

Aubrey is at such a great age when it comes to wanting to learn and soak everything in. She is amazing at puzzles and can finish a workbook in under an hour. She is a total sponge right now and I am so thankful she loves learning. I'm also thankful for her school and teacher who pour into her and help ignite a passion for education. She thinks her teacher is the smartest woman in the world and that she knows more than me and her daddy combined.  Thanks Bre.

We are doing LOTS of backyard water activities because mommy can sit and prop her feet up while the fun takes place! Water tables, slip and slides and pools are just what the doctor ordered!

Christian took Bre on a daddy/daughter date at Chick-fil-A and it was so precious. Bre had a blast and felt so special. Chick-fil-A sure knows what it is doing and had a precious set up.  Complete with dinner, an ice cream bar, face painting and even a rose. I'm so thankful for the relationship these two have...and I can only pray it will keep getting stronger. 

We made the tough decision to find a new home for our Lexie. She was a fantastic dog and was truly a sweetie, but she just didn't need to be in a home with three little ones who nap.  She loved to bark and it drove me crazy! Not to mention that she was spending lots of time in her kennel and that just wasn't fair. We found a fabulous family for her and we are so thrilled she will now get the love and attention she deserves.

Mother's Day this year was one I will not forget! I'll blog about that soon. Here is me and my cuties at church...A little blurry but the best we could do!  So thankful for these precious little ones...they make my life so great.