The End of Babyhood…

The end of babyhood… OKAY, so maybe I’m being a little dramatic, but you really notice your baby growing up when you see them put on that backpack and head off into the world of kindergarten! Suddenly, she’s no longer my baby girl, she’s a BIG GIRL!

When Kayla was a newborn, everyone told me the days of parenting are long but the years are short. I had no idea how true that was until today.

I didn't cry before their first day because I was too concerned with Kayla’s nerves. I didn't cry while taking photos on our front porch. I didn't even cry when she headed into her classroom because the look of the happy face as proudly entered the room and found her seat.

Instead the tears came as I sat down to write this as I thought about how quickly the last five years have gone. Realization that I have a kindergartener. The baby years are over, forever.

At the same time I am also excited. I am excited that she will make new friends who she may have her entire life. I am excited at her independence and confidence, how she didn’t look back as she walked in her new classroom with a big smile and no fear. I am excited for the new phase in her life.

This parenting thing is hard. And wonderful. And joyful. And amazing.

From a baby to a…

KINDERGARTENER!

2011 Annual Pictures

Every year during the summer, I shop around for the perfect coordinating outfits.  I get the kids ready for what feels like an all day event.  And then the headache begins. This year was...well no words can explain the stress.  Christian did not want to calm down.  He was on some kind of sugar high.  He was being his silly self; falling down, laughing, rolling on the ground, driving Mommy crazy.  Kayla kept smiling a fake, unnatural smile and was more worried about what Christian was doing then looking at the camera.  I was tired, stressed over some simple pictures and SO ready to go.  Many times I thought about calling it quits and saying forget about 2011 photos.  Just one good picture please! I had put off picture day all summer.  Today was the last day before school started.  Thank goodness for a great photographer.  She was calm.  She helped settle the kids down.  After an hour photo session and 50+ photos, we finally got a few good ones.

Now I can relax, until next year.

  

A weekend to myself…

The house is quiet. The kids are visiting the grandparents for the weekend. The husband is away at a tennis tournament. I am left alone and it feels great.  My goal for the weekend was to relax, catch up on sleep, clean the house, sew and enjoy the piece and quiet. Well that is not happening. 

It is 2am and I am still up (there goes the idea of catching up on sleep).  The sewing machine has not been turned on (I got everything out and ready.  The intent was there but did not happen).  The house is not clean.  Laundry not done (well, I actually did clean out the fridge so I guess I can say I did do something in the cleaning category). 

Instead, I have spent the last 24 hours working on ANOTHER craft.  Those that know me are probably thinking that I am CRAZY (I already have tons of crafts and a list of to-do items a mile long). I might be, but I actually have really enjoyed sitting down with no interruptions and working on a new project.  So far, I have completed (well almost completed) five pair of painted pants. 

 

These were my first pair.  I may be in trouble when Kayla gets home and sees these since I did not have a pair of jeans in her size.  I guess I will be going to get her a pair of jeans and painting them this week.

Still need to add Pixie Dust. 

Going to add Chip (the little cup in Beauty and the Beast)

  Waiting for the paint to dry to add the leaves and glitter.

A Much Needed Family Vacation

Last minute decision (that is the Schneider way).  Two nights at Lost Pines Resort in Bastrop, TX.  What a great place for the family.  There were so many different activities for kids. Of course mine only wanted to do one activity…so, we spent most all of our time in the water.  The kids really enjoyed the lazy river, the water slide and the sand beach.  Mommy really liked the fact that a waiter was there to take my drink order. Pina Colada please.  After several hours in the pool, we were all getting hungry.  The first night, we ate dinner at the resort.  It was so cute…they had a little buffet line set up for the kids  (just their size with chicken nuggets, corn dogs and all those yummy nutritious finger foods).  Christian thought it was cool that he could make his own plate and that he got a RED plate.  After dinner, a movie was playing outside. We grabbed a blanket, a bag of popcorn and all laid down to watch Garfield.  Great family time.  The kids lasted about 30 minutes and then started getting bored.  They were not really into the movie (they would have rather been watching Transformers or Scooby Doo).  Oh well, it was getting late and we still hadn’t roasted our evening marshmallows.  Fun times.   The kids had been asking to roast marshmallows all summer (but with the lack of rain and the extreme heat, we have not really thought it enjoyable to go camping)  Christian really liked holding the stick and roasting his marshmallow, but when it came time to eat his S’more, Mommy had to help out.  Darn!  The next day can you figure out what the kids wanted to do….SWIM. We did take a short nature walk down by the Colorado River, went to the Animal Corral (got to pet some donkeys and llamas) and played some soccer, but the entire time…can we go swimming now.  After nearly five hours in the pool it was time to get out and get the kids to Camp Hyatt.  Mommy and Daddy time.  The kids enjoyed time away from the parents while the parents enjoyed relaxing adult time…a cocktail and dinner on the patio.  It was a nice evening with my hubby.  Needless to say ,the kids passed out that last night.  But when they got up, it was time to SWIM!!! Yes, I took them for a last dip in the pool and then it was time to head home. 

 

     

Gymnastics Skills Meet

Our little gymnast had her first gymnastics meet July 30th. It was hard sitting on the side line watching my little girl.  I wanted to be right there guiding her, encouraging her and helping her with the difficult skills.  Never once did she show signs of discouragement or doubt.  She stood tall and had fun.  That is my girl!  I was so proud of her (Christian also did a great job sitting on the sideline for two hours. Yes-2 hours of sitting is amazing for that little guy).

I don’t know if Kayla will stick with gymnastics, but for now she loves it and looks forward to going every week.  She is learning to do round-offs off of the balance beam, kart wheels on the beam, and a pull-over on the uneven bars.  

 

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After party events..

The fun did not stop once everyone left.  Uncle JJ and La La, played with the kids for hours on the slip-n-slide and they had a blast (and they felt it the next day).

Yes, that is Uncle JJ flying over the slip-n-slid pool.

Then it was family fun the next day.  The four of us had a blast racing down the slide and laughing together.

Under the Sea with Mermaid Kayla

June 18th @ 10:30am the party began.  2 water slides, 18 adults, 22 kids, and 42 water balloons.  The party was a success. (besides the dolphin balloons floating off as soon as I tied them to the fence). 

It was really fun thinking of fun foods and different Under the Sea decorations…Fish and Chips, Salt Water Taffy, Seaweed Dip, Seaside Cupcakes w/ Sea Turtles and Jelly Fish, Sunken Hidden Treasure with goodies for all the kids and Soap Bags with Floating Fish.

Besides having two water slides and the pool, the kids also enjoyed a balloon popping game…girls versus boys. The kids raced to the chair to try and pop their water balloon. 

The slip and slide was the big hit.  The kids (and adults) had a blast slipping and sliding…

 

A great party with friends and family makes the hard work worth it all.  Hope you had a great birthday Kayla!