K-Graduation

Alayna graduated from Kindergarten this year. Her program was ADORABLE! They sang, danced and played instruments. Then they were each handed their 'diploma'. Alayna, Dad and I are SO proud of you. You excelled in school not only in academics, but we were told many times that you were an excellent role model and leader for the kids in your class. Way to go sweetheart!

Alayna and Mrs. Gehrke...she was more than just a 'great' teacher...she was excellent!!

The Birthday Celebration

Though we celebrated ON his birthday, I obviously am blogging about it a bit late. Oops! He was looking forward to going out for pizza and playing at Thunder Road. He enjoyed multiple go-cart rides, bumper cars and playing some video games. Grandpa Holder even came along for the festivities (and b/c Josiah wanted to race him on the g0-carts!)

Sporting some birthday cake on his face as well as the 'crazy eyes' purchased with some of the ticket money. Silly kid!

Some Missed Moments

We 'rented' a dog from grandpa for a week and Seth enjoyed playing with Maggie, taking her for walks, feeding her and taking care of her in any way needed. Though owning out own dog is NOT in the near future...we may 'rent' Maggie again this summer. :)

Alayna had a mole on her back removed and she was a ROCKSTAR during the procedure. She didn't flinch, complain, cry, whine...she sat perfectly still watching me. Now she has a couple of stitches that will be removed mid-June.

We fished at a catch-and-release pond in town. The kids had a great time!

Memorial Day Weekend

It might not have been the 'sunny and hot' weekend we were looking for, but we still had fun at my brothers lake cabin. A few of the kids even braved playing in the 54 degree water...BRRR!

Modeling the newest in 'lake wear'
BRRR!!
Crazy kids!
Josiah LOVES fishing...hopefully this summer we will find a few great fishing spots and we can go regularly. I used to fish ALL THE TIME with my dad, grandpa and my uncle when I was young and it's still a hobby that holds a special place in my heart. :)
Seth loves ANYTHING with a motor...he enjoyed riding on the 4-wheeler, riding on the pontoon, riding in the fishing boat and he just needed to give the jet ski a whirl so his uncle obliged...even though the water was SUPER cold. He had a blast and loves to go FAST!
After a few days of fun we had a VERY quiet ride home....

Happy 9th Birthday Josiah!!

Last year I wrote out the birth story of Josiah, you can read it again here. It's hard to believe that my first born is 9 already!! I'm so thankful that 9 years ago I was given the title of "Mom". Over the last year one thing I've really noticed in Josiah is that he looks (and acts) more like his dad every day. I love that! I love that even though he's getting older, he's still not too old to enjoy a hug and kiss, cuddling and of course Josiah sandwiches....I hope he NEVER grows out of that because I'm certain we will never stop. :)

Josiah Daniel, I love you very much and I'm so proud of the young man God is making you to be. I pray that you will continue growing in your relationship with Him.

Here is the prayer your dad and I wrote for you a while back and have prayed over you many times...Heavenly Father, thank You for Josiah. Thank you for blessing him and putting him in this family. Please help him to continue growing in relationship with you. Thank you for giving him a compassionate heart. Help him to find a godly wife in Your time. Protect him tonight as he sleeps and tomorrow as he goes through his day. Keep him from the enemy and be with him through the difficulties of this life. Use his passion for your laws for your glory. Thank for the gift that he is to us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Another First

Last night after showers we watched Little House on the Prairie while the kids had an evening snack of an apple or some strawberries. Miss. Alayna opted for an apple. She had a semi-loose tooth and after eating most of her apple she noted that it hurt a bit to continue eating and then felt her tooth and it was SUPER wiggly. After the show and messing with it constantly, the kids went to brush their teeth. After brushing I went upstairs to find Josiah trying to pull Alayna's tooth out for her because she couldn't get it....after a few minutes of brotherly assistance (maybe he will be a dentist when he gets older) out came the tooth! She was so excited to have lost her first tooth she put it in a baggie to bring to school (I'm sure her teacher will be thrilled!).

The Note

The other day after arguing with me a few times I told Alayna she needed to go have a few minutes alone in her room to think about her emotions. After a few minutes I told her she could come down so we could talk about her attitude. Alayna came downstairs with a down-cast face and handed me this note...

In case you can't read kindergarten writing, it says:
Dear Mom, I love you and I'm sorry for what I did wrong. Love, Alayna