They Say It's Your Birthday

A few weeks ago, we celebrated a very special day. Davis turned 7. Where have those years gone? Davis wanted us to bring a special snack to his classroom (is anyone picking up on a theme) He choose Cheeze-its, apples and Capri Sun. The food triangle of a kindergartener. I could not take apples, and not have Rosemary's delicious apple dip, so Rosie made us a big container of that as well (mostly for Mrs. Anderson and I)

Here is Davis at school, eating his special birthday snack and wearing the Birthday Hat



It's the little things in life....I was a little worried that when we left Davis would want to go with us, but he quickly disappeared. You see, when it's your birthday you get to skip nap time and play on the computer. I think he was just a little excited about skipping nap. Little does he know, in just a few short years, he will be willing to trade just about anything to have that nap time back.

Davis got some new Star Wars toys



He had a very special birthday cake









Now - here is the part where you say "Wow - you are a terrible mom" - but I don't do birthday parties. I did a party for the first and second birthday, and don't get me wrong, I wouldn't trade those memories for all the money in the world. BUT - it is so expensive and stressful, that we have decided to go another route. We let Davis choose anywhere he wants to go, and we take a little trip.

At three, we went to Disney World (not so much cheaper than a party - but oh so much more fun!)



At four, we went to the Georgia Aquarium




At five, we went to the beach




At six, we were back to the Georgia Aquarium




And at seven......Davis chose a Hockey Game






If you look very closely at these next two pictures, above the score board, at the running scroll, you will see Davis' Happy Birthday message. "Happy Birthday Davis! We love you! Daddy and Mommy"






So Happy Birthday Day to you my precious child! You are loved more than you will ever know!

"Before you were conceived -I wanted you
Before you were born - I loved you
Before you were here an hour -I would give my life for you
This is the miracle of love."
~ Maureen Hawkins

"If I could reach up and hold a star for every time you have made me smile, the entire evening sky would be in the palm of my hand" ~ Unknown

"You are the poem I dreamed of writing
the masterpiece I longed to paint.
You are the shining star I reached for
In my ever hopeful quest for life fulfilled...
You are my child.
Now with all things I am blessed."
~Unknown

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss

Earlier this month, Oneonta Elementary School celebrated Dr. Seuss' birthday. I was lucky enough to be asked if Mrs. Anderson could use our camera for the day (her battery had died) so it was almost like we were there as well! Once again - picture overload!

Each child was allowed to bring their favorite Dr. Seuss book. Davis brought The Cat in The Hat.



They had special guests come to the classroom and read Dr. Seuss books. Notice the expressions on these teachers' faces. There is no wonder Oneonta Elementary is one of the best schools in the state! We have some of the most expressive and engaging teachers in the state! The teenager is Macy - Mrs. Anderson's teacher assistant. I hear quiet a bit about Macy every afternoon. I think that maybe she has stolen quiet a few kindergarten boys' hearts.








The special snack for the day. There was a story behind this sweet thing! That morning before school at 7:20 (we leave at 7:30) Davis said "Mommy don't forget to make the cupcakes!" Well, you all know that I do not cook. I can, I just choose not too unless I absolutely have to. But I am also very much a people pleaser, so if I needed to make cupcakes - I would at least buy some. I emailed Mrs. Anderson and asked if somehow I had missed the note or email letting me know I was supposed to make these cupcakes or if Davis had made this up. Her reply was "While we were discussing our exciting Dr. Seuss day the day before, a student asked if we would be having a special snack and my reply to her was Only if someone's mommy decides to make cupcakes" I guess Davis decided his mommy should do that. Thank goodness for Wal-Mart!



They drew pictures of The Cat in the Hat



Every morning Matt has to draw a special picture on Davis' snack bag....he got a very special one on this day.....



There were lots of highlights to this day, as you can see. Davis' favorite part of the day was listening to Rick and Bubba read a Dr. Seuss book. His least favorite part was listening to Justin Bieber read a Dr. Seuss book. But the most special part of the day was a special visit from this guy.....




So Happy Birthday to you Dr. Seuss! You have been a dear friend to me for 34 years and you are quickly becoming a dear friend to my sweet child. You have taught me some important life lessons - and for that - I will ever be thankful!

So be sure when you step.
Step with care and great tact
and remember that Life's
a Great Balancing Act.
Just never forget to be dexterous and deft.
And never mix up your right foot with your left.

And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)

KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!

So...
be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray
or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O'Shea,
you're off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So...get on your way!


From Oh The Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss

Davis' First Day of School

I know this post is coming two months after this event, but we been a little busy. I am hoping to catch up on our blog this week - so you may be overloaded and bored with us by Friday.

Davis' first day of school was the best first day of school EVER. We found out very last minute that we were going to be able to leave West Virginia a little earlier than scheduled, so I made some phone calls and found out that Davis could start school the next day, which just happened to be the field trip to the circus. We left West Virginia PACKED into our little car and pulled into Oneonta around 11pm. Our sweet friends Jim and Linda (who are really more like family to us) let us stay with them for that first weekend. Prepare for picture overload as we relive Davis' first day of school!

Here is Davis that morning. He was very excited!



The three of us. Keep in mind, it was very early after a very late night



Davis with Jim and Linda. The two precious people fell in love with our sweet baby Davis the first time we moved here when Davis was three months old. These three people have a very special bond that is absolutely priceless.



Linda, Davis and I finally made it to the school. (Linda teaches 2nd grade at OES and she was so sweet to walk me thru the registration process) As we walked in the door, we saw so many people that we love and have missed for these 18 months. One of those people is Rosemary. Rosemary and I became friends right off the bat in 2004. We are so much alike and have so much fun together. SO many memories! The best thing is that her little girl, Taylor Rhea, and Davis are also best buddies. This picture is Davis and Rosemary in the school office. Let's just say lots of tears were shed by 8am that day!



This is our own little angel. This is Mrs. Anderson, Davis' teacher. She has been so precious to Davis, helping him adjust to big school with that perfect blend of compassion and expectation. She is our answered prayer!



Davis got to ride the bus to the BJCC and he had the best time! When we got there I asked him what his favorite part of the bus ride was and he said "The Quiet Game" Now that is a great teacher - one who can even make a quiet game fun. Once we got there, we had to wait on the doors to open. Davis and some buddies from preschool were reunited.



Mrs. Anderson bought each child in here class a clown nose. This is a picture of Davis in his



A little pre-circus entertainment from the clowns



Everybody loves The Ringmaster!



This was Davis' favorite part - shooting the man from the cannon



After the circus, we met up with Wendy and Ethan. Davis and Ethan have been like peanut butter and jelly since they were in the bed baby room at day care. You all know how hard our moves were on Davis, but us moving from Oneonta was also hard on Ethan. It has been the sweetest thing to watch them together since we moved back. Adults can learn so much from children. They picked up right where they left off. The best part of Davis' friendship with Ethan, was that I gained an amazing friend in his mom Wendy!



Davis and I after the circus



This was the perfect end to a perfect day! All is right in the world!

Happy Birthday To My Best Friend!

Yes - we are still around! I know it has been a while since I have updated our blog. We have been busy moving, unpacking, starting school, starting a new/old job, starting t-ball, catching up with old friends, making new friends, starting a journey of becoming half-marathon runners and every once in a while, we sleep. I promise to update on all of the above at a later date, but today is a special day that deserves it's own post. Today is Matt's birthday! So this one if for you buddy! We love you!

YOU ARE THE CHEESE TO MY MACARONI

YOU ARE THE HORIZON TO MY SKY

YOU ARE THE BACON TO MY EGGS

YOU ARE THE LACES TO MY SNEAKERS

YOU ARE THE JELLY TO MY PEANUT BUTTER

YOU ARE THE GRAVY TO MY MASHED POTATOES

YOU ARE THE BUBBLES TO MY BATH

YOU ARE THE MILK TO MY COOKIES

YOU ARE THE INK TO MY PEN

YOU ARE THE KETCHUP TO MY FRENCH FIRES

YOU ARE THE WATER TO MY OCEAN

YOU ARE THE ICING TO MY CUPCAKE

YOU ARE THE SMILE TO MY FACE

Happy Birthday to the best husband, daddy, friend and running partner anybody could ever ask for! I love you!