Second Grade

Can you believe Maggie is in SECOND grade? I can't, honestly I can't. When Fionn was born we joked around that when Maggie started THIRD grade, Fionn would go to pre-school. That seemed impossible to imagine. Now it's not. It's less than a year away. YIKES. And then it will just be Cate and I, who herself, will no longer be a baby. DOUBLE YIKES! I can only imagine how gray I'll be then!!!

Before we get ahead of ourselves, I need to step back and enjoy the NOW of life. Maggie seems to be growing weekly and sadly she's looking more and more like a little lady than the babe she was not that long ago!

Here are a few shots from last week (and today) 

These are all a series of photos from the last week, the ones with the beret were taken today(her first whole day of school)  The jumper shots with the headband are all the first day, and the shorts are from last Friday.  Her first trip to the bus.  Yes, I'm a dork and stalk my daughter with the camera for just about the whole first week.  She tolerates it well, unless we're IN the school.  Then she refuses to look at the camera until I give up and go away!  I of course, leave, so I don't look like a stalker mom who has issues with letting go.  I think Kindergarten did me in when I could no longer see INTO her classroom to see what she was doing.  For the last two years she's up on the 2nd floor of her school, so I've not even had a choice to try to spy.  BUT next year Fionn starts, so the cycle can start all over.  I'm sure Maggie will just be happy to have some of the attention diverted off of her!  

More posts soon from FL I promise.  With school, Maggie's birthday, Cate teething, and all of us coming down with a head cold it's been a CRAZY week since we got home!

SEVENTH birthday (oh my)

7 years ago today I gave birth to the most beautiful little creature I had ever met.  In true Maggie fashion, her entrance into this world was dramatic, so why should the rest of her life be any different.  (short back story for those of you that do not know. I hemorrhaged while in labor and she had to be born via Emergency C-section) She ran away with my heart at first sight and I've yet to get it back.  She is, and has always been my muse.

Being her mommy has been the greatest joy of my life.  She was a sweet, happy baby who loved everything, especially animals.  It has transitioned her into being a very sweet girl who not only loves animals, but loves the whole world.  She's got a heart of gold, but most importantly it's a heart on fire for her heavenly father.  

She has dreams of saving the world, one recycled bottle at a time.  Her giving heart is an inspiration to me.  I love seeing the magic of the world through HER eyes.  She is protective, loyal, and loving.  I think there is no better definition of a princess.   

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEAUTIFUL!!!

Wordless Wednesday

Backyard Beauty

Ga-ga

We were driving home from the Childrens Museum today and we were listening to a local country radio station (that was doing a promo for tomorrow's morning show) about Lady GAGA and her giving up of "relations" (oh if only THEY would say it that way) because it interferes with her creativity....

and my daughter pipes up from the backseat

Maggie: "Mom, gaga is that MEAN lady from 101 Dalmations"  I KNOW IT

Me: blink, blink....and then Baaaaaaaahhhhhhhaaaaaahhhhhaaaa 

(lots of laughter in case you don't speak laugh)

She had the MOST serious look on her face for about ten seconds and then she and her cousin segway into a conversation about 101 Dalmations as I CRACK UP while trying to drive! 

Ya'll this girl is seriously on a roll lately...

BUT, she has a point, don't ya think??

and I went for a TAME picture of Gaga....

Summer Sunday

There is just something special-almost magical about Mema and Pop-pops backyard in the summer.  It's always been that way.  It's my favorite way to spend a sunny summer day.  Sundays are family day at Mema and Pop-pop's.  It's a tradition.  Church, (pool) Lunch, (pool) Naps&Newspapers, dessert (pool) a little time in the sandbox and then maybe a dip in the pool.

a little family game of soccer in the front yard

pool time

look at me momma

go buddy go!

 Even Cate got in the pool...she liked playing with Pop-pop OUT of the pool much more though.

Remember Maggie's bird house?  It now has a occupants, who had BABIES.  The kids love watching the birds come and go.

Safety first!  Fionn was attempting to get in the pool alone.  We quickly changed his mind.

Fine then...i'll just put my float in the kiddie pool and relax!

you never know...bubbles could be dangerous...a life preserver is ALWAYS a good idea with Fionn!!

yep, magical...i mean look at those SMILES!  

Can't wait till this weekend when we get another Summer Sunday!!