Grateful For Family

We're thankful for each other.

We stick together. We look out for each other.

We depend on each other. We have LOTS of fun.

We give lots of love. We mean the world to each other.

We support each other. We're in it for the long haul...

Snapshots

Snapshots: a look into my little world {RIGHT NOW}

October totally crept up on me, as does every month lately! Between my busy, full-time job as a teacher and being a mom of two little girls, life just gets way too busy for my liking! Today, we thought we would try to slow things down a bit by spending time at home. Weekends are a time for catch-up; family, cleaning, resting, and relaxing! I stopped and captured some photos of my world today...October 8, 2011

Our house smells fabulous!

I was cleaning the house while I took a glimpse outside and I saw this!

Nothing is better than an afternoon nap on a perfect fall day!

The girls helped decorate my Halloween tree today. We are still gathering all of our Halloween books to put under the tree like we do at Christmas. I can't wait to see the orange and white lights tonight!

First Day

I can hardly believe how fast our little Alexis is growing up! Today was Alexis' first day of Kindergarten, a day that was invisioned in my mind the hour she was born. This was a day that carried so many emotions for me as her mom,  I really didn't know how I was suppose to feel. I was happy and excited for her to be on this new adventure in life; yet for some reason, I was also sad. I was sad to see my little girl begin this new adventure because now I have invisions of her high school prom and graduation. I know that day will come just as fast. In the meantime, I am going to hug and kiss my kindergartener and praise her for coming this far already!

As you will tell by her pictures below she was one excited girl, who had just become a kindergartener!


The night before...there was a lot of anticipation before the start of school. We read books about school, had a count-down, and traced her hand (which will be done every year until she graduates).

The BIG day...September 6, 2011

 Thanks Chad for capturing these precious pictures today!

 Hanging up her backpack for the first time

 Alexis and Mrs. Junkert!

In her desk and ready with a smile!

I know you will have the best year ever!!

A New Journey

Dearest Alexis...as I walked past the refrigerator this evening, I saw that you only had 4 links on your count down to kindergarten chain. This visual reminded me that you have grown up and you are ready to embark on such a wonderful journey....the school years. I write this letter to tell you that I am thankful that God gave me the job of helping you grow. I thank him for allowing me to be your mom and to make sure you are safe and loved. Everyday I make decisions on your behalf that effect your life and well being. It is my job as your mom to guide you and lead you into making your own decisions. I know that you will have ups and downs along your journey, but I know you'll pull through. You are sweet, strong, and very much loved! Good luck and have fun on your new journey, Alexis!

Lots of love, Mom

Remembering Summer 2011

Another sweet summer has come and gone. As the girls get older with each passing year, it seems that our summers seem to fly by that much faster. Oh, how I {LOVE} summer!

I will remember summer 2011 as a summer that we: played with vibrant chalk in the driveway*visited the library on a weekly basis*learned about God's big love for us at vacation bible school*feed the ever growing fish population at the pier*celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary*were fish ourselves in the Dells*had Christmas on July 4th*bonfires with smores and pies*parades*skinned- up knees*Zorbaz pizza, of course*Clay County Fair just blocks from our house*hours of sun and fun at Blue Eagle*took the training wheels off Alexis' bike*park play*t-ball*swimming lessons*took down the crib(forever) and put Brynn in a big girls bed*backyard fun*saw Grandma & Grandpa's new place in Red Lodge, MT*bike rides*

It was a good summer! Yes, it was!

After summing up our summer, I must say....

And Then She Turned 2!

Brynn Kay Zander, you are a precious gift to us! We have LOVED watching you grow and we are so happy to have you in our lives. Life is much more sweeter with you in it!

 Love, Love, Love, This Sweet Girl...