Photography Friday

I missed last week's since I was out of town and forgot to post it when I got back so I will do it along with this week.

Something Soft:

Tristan's "Blue Blankie". 

He has had this disgusting thing since he was 1 and sleeps with it every night. 

It's the one thing he wants any time he is hurt or sad. Isn't he precious!

An Animal:

Only my favorite of all animals! My first son Duke

Since I write so much about my kids I figured I'd take a second to write about Duke just for my own record-keeping! Right now Duke is 11 1/2 and looking about 100. He is my most independent of all my dogs. He is loyal and so loving. He loves his dog treats and thinks he gets one any time someone wakes up or goes into the kitchen. He jumps up and down any time we give him a treat, but he snubs it first thing in the morning even though he really wants one. He wants to do more than his old body will let him, but he still tries. He gets excited any time we are going out of town. He loves to sleep on the tile floor even though he can't get up easily.  He's mostly deaf so it's easy to scare him. He is nothing but pure, accepting love. I will be deeply sad when it's his time to go. I dread it every day, but treasure each day I get with him.

An athlete and a ballerina

So obviously I have a few things I've been meaning to post but haven't yet! I'll make this one quick. Tristan just finished coach pitch t-ball a few weeks ago. He did really good. The only problem was he knows too much and wanted to play by the rules but the parents don't care yet. At this point it's all about just having fun! However, I would like to find somewhere that is a little more competitive that does teach the kids to follow the rules. And have fun of course.

Stella has been working really hard the past 6 months working on all of her dances for her 2 dance classes. Her first recital was with Miss Natalie & my dance class. Our theme was Let's Go to the Movies. Her dance class did their ballet dance to a song from Harry Potter. Plus she did tumbling. The program went on without a hitch and I was beaming with pride for both of my dance classes! The other dancers did such a beautiful job as well. I loved it! I'm so sad it's over. Especially with Miss Natalie moving this is the end of our dance group. 

Stella's other dances were with Jen's classes. She had 2 with her class and 1 with everyone that they always do at the end. I love watching her perform! She is so graceful and lovely. Brings tears to my eyes! Literally.

A fun class outing in a limo! 

My other dance class.

The whole group!

Stella at Jen's dance class recital

End of Year

Another school year is come and gone. Sigh. Just another sign that the kiddos are getting older. They have both had a great year though! In my opinion 3rd grade was Stella's best year yet academically. When she'd get home from school she'd ask if she could do her homework. Huh? Who asks to do homework? I never did! I hardly ever had to ask her to do it. It was nice that so much of it was online. She LOVED math (which is crazy I think!), got 100% on all but one spelling tests, and didn't seem to struggle with learning things. The only problems she had were getting to where she needed to be on time (which is such a Stella thing. She has always gone at her own pace) and turning in assignments on time. Which drove me crazy! She had a group of good friends and a wonderful teacher, Mrs. R. Olson. She is looking forward to a long summer and 4th grade with Mr. Gallagher! We are so proud of her.

Stella and Me on the bus going to the Water Conservation Plant for her field trip.

Tristan had his first year in the big elementary school. Every. Single. Morning. Was a struggle. He just was not happy to be up and have to go to school. Makes me dread next year when he has to go all day long! He's not a morning person. At least not while he's in school I've come to find out. He's funny because although he complained about having to go to school he ALWAYS came home happy! He liked his friends, teachers and most subjects. He did really well academically also. He fights me on reading always, but is on a 1st grade level. I think Mrs. Morris was the perfect teacher for him this year! I will miss my little guy when he goes to school all day in the fall! I don't know what I'll do with myself! I miss him already. (tear) My youngest - my baby. It's a hard thing to see how quickly time goes and how fast they are growing up. However, I have tried really hard to enjoy each stage. With the exception of potty training! And so far I really have enjoyed them all. I just wish it would all last a little longer.

Photography Friday

Looking In:

Thrifty Thursday

So I bought a few AWESOME finds at the DI. I love them so much! I am in the process of completing one project and can't wait to start on the other! I think I'll wait to show those 2 until they are done. However, I did find this great mirror. It will probably be painted as soon as I figure out where to put it exactly.

Photography Friday: Lunch

Yummmm. Grilled sausage and chicken with corn on the cob. 

This is a sight rarely seen so I had to post it as well. Stella enjoying food! Miracle. 

I don't think the salad got touched though.

Y

Thrifty Thursday

I found this sweet headboard for Stella's room for $5 at the D.I.! I spray painted it black and it looks awesome in her room!