Some more photos...

Here are some recent photos from playing out side to baking cookies. Merry Christmas to all! I hope the holidays bring happiness and warmth to all of you.

The first snowfall of the season

The kids were so excited about the snow this morning! We all had fun playing out in the snow...even the dogs. Here are some photos of the morning. My new camera has motivated me to post on my blog more again!

I didn't get any photos of Brayden outside this morning...so, I am including some from last night. We were just playing around and I was testing out my camera some more.

New camera....great photos

I finally got a new camera and while I still have a lot to learn I am LOVING it. Here is one of my favorite shots so far.

Catch up Collages

It's been a while...so, here are a few collages to catch up on what we have been doing. I honestly don't even know if any stops by here any more...but if so, I hope you enjoy the photos.

The collages feature photos from Halloween, Thanksgiving and decorating the Christmas tree.

Can't believe my baby is going to be...

FIVE!!! Brayden's birthday is next Wednesday (October 13), and I am filled with so many emotions as we approach the big day. I LOVE watching him grow and learn and develop, but I don't want my baby to grow up. It seems like yesterday I cried every day missing him and wanting him to come home. The last 4 years have gone by so quickly and I have loved every minute of it...the good and bad. Brayden is intelligent, athletic, independent, loving, funny, happy, sassy, strong-willed, persistent, stubborn, caring, thoughtful, etc... etc... etc...

I picked one picture from each year of his life...hard to pick, but I did it. I think they all show a little bit of his personality. I am so proud of my little monkey (yes, I will call him that forever!)!

It's been a while...as usual!

So, it has been quite some time since my last post. Let me get all of you caught up (if anyone still visits, that is).

* I am working part time as a preschool teacher and LOVE it!
* Layna is loving preschool and she is in my class.
* Brayden LOVES Pre-K and don't anyone dare say he is in preschool. He WILL correct you. He has his first field trip this week on Wednesday. I am so excited for him.
* My beloved Grandpa Thompson passed away last week. He was an amazing man and will be surely missed, but remembered for his strength and love.
* Matt is still working for JP Morgan Chase, but isn't real happy. We are thankful that we are both employed during such economic distress in our country.
* Brayden's 5th (yes, I said 5th) birthday is coming up on October 13th. Where did my baby go?
* Brayden is in T-ball and enjoying it.
* Layna still loves her dance class. I am hoping she continues to enjoy it because seeing her all dolled up in a recital this spring brings a smile to my face.
* Tis the season...Brayden is battling his first cold. I am really hoping for a healthier fall and winter this year. We shall see.
* We did our annual visit to the apple orchard this past weekend...so, I included some pics from that adventure. We all had a great time, but I wish Brayden had been feeling better.
* I have been trying to eat healthier and less as well as be more active. As a result I have lost about 6 pounds. I am hoping to continue to lose some weight and just maintain a healthier lifestyle. I am having great success with journaling my food each day. It takes some dedication and work, but it is paying off.
* I am including pics of Brayden from his 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th birthday parties. He sure has changed over the years, but he will always be my little monkey.







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Brayden's 1st four birthdays in consecutive order.






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Rest in peace Grandpa/Great Grandpa. You will always be remembered for the amazing man that you were.

First Days of School...

Brayden, Malayna and I all started school this week. As some of you may know, I have accepted a position teaching part day preschool on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at Gingercare (where I have worked off and on for the last bunch of years). So, I started teaching this past Tuesday.

Brayden started his part day Pre-Kindergarten class this past Monday and Layna started her part day Preschool class this past Tuesday. Malayna is in the class that I teach. So far, she has done very well with it. She even calls me Mrs. Goldstein during class. It is absolutely adorable!

Both kiddos love going to school and I love seeing their enthusiasm and excitement. I can only hope they continue to love school for many, many more years.

Here are some photos from the kids' first days of school...I didn't take any of myself on my first day! LOL The photos are a bit out of order, but I don't feel like fixing it. The first set is Brayden's first day and the second set is Layna's first day.