School's out for the summer.

Roxy is wrapping up her first year in preschool today.  I really can't believe that its over already.  After I dropped her off this morning and taking an "end-of-school-year" photo, I looked back at the photo from the first day of school.  The difference is staggering.  

On the left is my 2 year, 11 month old baby girl who was shy and unsure of herself beginning school (in a 3T) and on the right is my 3 1/2 year old who is outgoing and talkative and confident (in sizes 4 and 5).  She's grown up so much this year.  She looks like a different child!  Can you believe the difference in her hair?

The best things in life aren't things.

I used to be notorious for not watching the news and not keeping up with what was going on around me.  People would say, "Did you see....?"  Nope, sure didn't.  Don't watch the news because it's only bad news.  Most people would fuss and say that I needed to keep up with what is happening around the world.  

When Roxy started school, it began to be a routine.  I watch the local news and some of the Today show while getting ready for the day.  

A few months ago, I watched the coverage of the Sandy Hook shooting where twenty children were shot and killed.  About a month ago, I watched coverage of the Boston bombings where more children were injured.  This morning it was coverage of the Oklahoma tornadoes which claimed several lives including twenty plus children trapped in a school.  Innocent children whose lives had barely begun.  

All of these events make me want to grab my daughter and never let her go.  Keep her home with me so that I know she is safe.  Even though I know how unrealistic my urge to put her in a bubble is, dropping her off at school this morning was just as hard as it was months ago following the Sandy Hook shooting.  

What really shakes me up the most is the fact that every day I take for granted that those I love will be around tomorrow, the next day, and every day after that.  That's never a given and I need to learn to cherish every day that I'm given with these that mean so much to me.  After all,  the best things in life aren't things.  My hope is that I can learn from this myself.  Begin to slow down and enjoy the time I have with my daughter, my husband and our families.  They really are the center of my universe.  

My heart goes out to everyone affected by the tornadoes of Oklahoma.  May you find peace and never lose hope.  We're praying for you!

Help by texting STORM to 80888 for Salvation Army, REDCROSS to 90999 and/or FOOD to 32333 for Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.

Pinterest: Party Planning

I am notorious for beginning party prep waaaaay too early.  This year is no exception.  We've been tossing around themes for Roxy's fourth birthday since January.  We are currently deciding between two themes - Cinderella and Rockstar Roxy.  I love the idea of Rockstar Roxy, but Roxy's heart is set on Cinderella and she loves Cinderella so much right now, I think she made our decision for us.  

One of the reasons I love starting to plan so early is the ability to purchase items over a period of time instead of all at once.  Usually looking back after the party is over, its hard to believe how much money went into it because it wasn't all pulled out of the bank at the same time!  In addition to that, I am able to scope out sales and clearance racks for items that match the theme and are discounted.  

A few things that I've already decided for this year:

• While there will be lots of adults in attendance, the number of children attending will be cut back and will be more Roxy's age.
• We'll ask the guests to dress up in the princess finery for the event.
• Princess makeovers will take place.
• Cinderella will make an appearance (thanks to Russ' cousin for agreeing to dress up for us!)

I've been scouring Pinterest for ideas for either party theme and am super excited about putting them all together for a fairytale-ish party!

To see more of the inspiration I've found, please check out the Roxy's 4th Birthday board I've got going on Pinterest.  You'll find links to all these great ideas and more there.