Week 33: Project Life

This week, on August 17, Ryland turned two years old. We had a small family party for him at our home. He absolutely loved the cupcakes and couldn't keep his hands off of them...literally.

My message to him on our family blog is what I printed and included in the scrapbook.

The rest of the week consisted of his 2 year well check, playing the drums (his birthday gift), eating leftover cupcakes for breakfast (yes, I let him do it for one morning), and his birthday photo shoot at the library. Many of you have figured out that Ryland does not like to pose for the camera or even smile...that's fine really. He just makes it more of a challenge for me and my photographer friends.

This page focuses on the open house night at their school and the fact that this will be Ryland's first year in the toddler program. I also included his growth charts that my pediatrician provided to me. This also marks the very last week of summer. Hallelujah!

Back to School

I didn't shed a tear when I sent the baby of the bunch off to school today for the very first time. I remember crying hard when I dropped Taylor off...and then my eyes were teary eyed when I first dropped off Landon...and then today I was dry as a bone. Ha!

It's not that I won't miss my little man...it's just that he is ready on so many levels. I found out today that the toddler program is being shortened to three days a week so that means I will still have my sidekick to hang with a couple of mornings a week.

Ryland seemed a little confused when they took him out of his carseat at carpool today. He is used to watching his siblings leaving him in the backseat, but today he was finally able to join them. I was told he did quite well and did all types of "work" today and even put his work back. I swear this school has some magic trick up their sleeve to get the kids to mind them and clean up after their messes.

So really, the only tears that were shed were the ones when Ryland first saw me in the car waiting to pick him up. He finally realized he was away from his mommy and wanted me. Ahhh! I felt so loved. It was a great first day of school. Landon didn't say much.... He did enjoy sitting by Taylor and being in the same class as his big sister. And Taylor was so happy to see her friends from last school year returning back today. Today was a big day for our family, and I am so excited to see how the year pans out!

Ryland's Photo Shoot

Today my friend Lori tried to take photos of Ryland to mark his 2nd birthday. She chose the public library closest to our house which is quite nice. I was a tad bit nervous because bringing my three kids to the library is intense...they are all wandering in different directions and I usually get to the point where I say, "Enough is enough! Let's go." And then it takes me a few more weeks to forget the endurance the library requires and bring them back. Well...today was no different.

If I didn't bring in Ryland's favorite blanket half way through the session, I don't think he would have sat long enough for Lorie to even snap a crisp, clean photo. I'm sure she took at least a good dozen of photos that I will love. And really, I'm not that picky. So the photo above is one of the rejects obviously. I was trying to make Ryland walk towards Lorie...and instead he ran from me thinking we were playing a really cool game.

Ryland Turns 2

I remember August 17, 2009 like it was yesterday. It was Taylor's first day of school at Sunrise Montessori and Landon who was just barely one year old and would be taken care of by Grandma and Grandpa. Since you were in a unique position in my belly...you were diagonal... a c-section would be required. I was a bit relieved that I wouldn't have to go through the torture of labor and was so anxious to meet my baby boy that I wasn't really scared at all.

I can joke around now that your personality was evident even in the womb. You are quite stubborn at times and it's your way or no way. But I appreciate all of you...not just pieces of you. You were virtually holding up your head as they took you from my belly and all of the medical staff reported how strong you were. You are still that strong little man today. You are so coordinated that we know you will excel at whatever sport you choose.

And since you were my first baby to come via c-section, I let you sleep next to me...more often than not. This is something your siblings didn't really get to experience. To this very day, you are my affectionate little boy, and I hope that never changes.

Ryland, I am so incredibly blessed to be your Mommy. I thank God for the third and final addition to our family that you are. You bring complete joy. In fact, we gave you the middle name "Asher" meaning "my joy is complete." Indeed...100%...you complete our family the best way possible.

I'm sad that you are no longer my baby. In a matter of days, you will be attending school yourself and joining the toddler class just like Taylor and Landon once did. I'm gonna tell the teachers to watch out for you. You weren't affectionately given the nicknames "monster" and "nut job" for no reason :-) But I know you will win your teachers over just like you win us over each and every single day. I love you Ry Ry! You are a miracle to me....

Week 32: Project Life

The beginning of week 32 consisted of our girls getaway day at the Westin Kierland Resort. We spent the morning relaxing around the pool, laying in the lazy river and playing Scrabble. On our way home, we stopped by Nothing Bundt Cakes where I was able to try their famous cakes for the very first time.

Our days this week consisted of Playdough at home (never again), a princess birthday party for Taylor's friend Rylan, and Ryland's first visit to the childcare at Fry's grocery store.

On the back of the previous page, I included photos from the week that I had blogged about as well as the special notes included.

My last spread included photos from our triple date on Tuesday night and the luau that our HOA threw on Friday night. Another fun week. The kids start school next Monday and I'm excited about the challenge and change that it will bring to our home.

The Story of Us

Thankfully summer is coming to a close. While I have enjoyed my kiddos immensely this summer, it's time to send them to school. In a couple of weeks, all three kids will start back up at their Montessori school. Here are some of my thoughts from today.

RYLAND: You make my heart melt. Just looking at this photo makes me want to burst into tears because you are so perfect. I love how you enjoy dressing up just as much as your big sister. I often find you in just a diaper and cowboy boots walking around the house. Or you like to grab Daddy's shoes and Landon's policeman hat. Today you amazed me by peeing on the potty not once but twice. You are so smart, and I can't wait to see you soar at school.

TAYLOR: You could have buzzed your entire head and you would still have been as beautiful as ever. You learned the hard way to not cut your own hair. In fact, today you told me you made a very big mistake. I didn't scold you for cutting your hair because you are just a kid and we all make mistakes. I was more concerned with your heart and know how you get embarrassed easily. I want to remind you that God made you perfect and complete...not lacking anything.

LANDON: You amazed me today at karate. You are so considerate of others but are learning to take charge...maybe a little too much when I see you pushing down your big sister. For the past two nights you had  me rub your knees because you are growing and it was hurting. It kind of hurts my heart as well to watch you quickly grow up into a little man. I pray for God's best for you and know you seek His ways. Also, I have to say you are quite talented when playing the drums in the shower. Your rendition of Old McDonald Had a Farm was right on the money!

NEW 52: Nothing Bundt Cakes

This past weekend when I was in north Scottsdale with my good friend Brenda, she made me pull over to this little bakery called "Nothing Bundt Cakes" and told me I just had to try a piece. She was buying several of the small cakes to bring home to her family. So after enjoying every morsel of the sample piece, I decided to take home a red velvet bundt cake. I just became the proud owner of my very own "Nothing Bundt Cake" and it sure was delicious. When I brought it home, Taylor noticed it immediately and asked for a bite. I would say all three kids demolished the cake while Hank and I were able to steal a quick bite or two. I will definitely be returning back to this cake store.

Week 31: Project Life

This week was quick. I worked two days, took the kids swimming with our sidekick Brynlie and tried to teach Landon how to properly wear his underwear. He likes to wear them backwards for some reason...such a boy!

I blew up a photo I took at the Deer Valley Airport because Landon really loved this airplane.

Landon has been making HUGE progress when it comes to writing his letters. He used to refuse writing since I couldn't get him to hold the pencil the right way.

This page shows photos of the bird houses that the kids painted at Gymboree. Some highlights from the week also include putting glow-in-the-dark stars on the boys' ceiling, getting Taylor a princess castle for staying dry at night, taking the kids to the Deer Valley Airport for lunch with our friends, and a little 24-hour vacation for me and a couple of girlfriends.

NEW 52: Westin Kierland Resort & Spa

A couple of girlfriends and I bid on a gorgeous hotel through Priceline.com and planned an overnight stay at this swanky hotel. It was perfect in every way. We spent most of our time by the pool and enjoying the lazy river. Being raised in Arizona for most of my life, I have only stayed in a handful of hotels. I would have to say so far, this one is my favorite. And it was in such a fun part of town. We were able to walk around the shops and enjoy a yummy dinner in the Kierland area.