I Give it Two Thumbs Up and 5 Stars!

I went to the best program this morning. There was singing, acting, and literature reading. I laughed, I cried, I loved it. It was the K5 graduation. I was so moved hearing 40+ little voices praising God. I had tears in my eyes as I realized that if it made me that happy that it must make God even happier. How He must love to hear our children sing out to him. One by one each of the K4 and K5 classes performed songs and things they had learned this year. It was precious. I was also struck by how easy it is to spot Owen. He is the only blond in the 40+ students. He sure is special that one.

As I enjoyed the show I couldn't help but think about the Chapman family and the tragic loss of their 5 year old little girl. She was just a week older than my O. I'm sure she was just as sweet and adorable as all of the children on stage today were. How my heart ached for their loss. I can't begin to fathom that grief. So today as I watched another milestone in Owen's life I was extra thankful for the blessing of being his mom. Thankful to God for giving me another day to spend with my boy. Please pray for the Chapman's as they go forward. I don't even know them but I feel compelled to lift them in prayer. And if you haven't already go and listen to the song Cinderella. It will break your heart for them and remind you to cherish the moments with your children. They go by fast. www.stevencurtischapman.com

Portrait of a 5 Year Old

11 days old

1 year old

2 years old

3 years old

4 years old






5 years old

A Whole Hand

To My O,

Today you turned 5. I can hardly believe it but your birth certificate assures me it's true. To you being 5 means finally being able to watch Star Wars and going to kindergarten. To me it means you're growing up. Too fast. How have five years gone by since you made me a mommy? It seems like yesterday Daddy and I were trying to figure out your infant car seat and stroller. Now that stroller has been all over the world and carries your little sister instead of you. You used to fit right in my forearm but now your legs are long and dangly and you're almost too big for me to carry, almost. I can barely remember what life was like before you. We've had five years of smiles, five years of tears (yours and mine), five years of giggles, five years of jokes, five years of worries, five years of boo boos, five years of kisses, five years of adventures, five years of learning to discipline (it's a steep curve :)), five years of silliness, five years of multiplying gray hairs, five years of new shoes, five years of taggie, five years of good night stories and kisses, five years of friends, five years of hugs, five years of climbing, five years of playing ball, and five years of love. It's bittersweet to watch you grow. I love remembering the baby you were but I also love seeing the boy you're becoming. I'll try to remember every moment because they are going by fast. Enjoy being 5 sweetheart. I love you!

For some reason blogger won't let me add pictures right now so here is a video of my little O.

The Force is Strong With This One

For Owen's 5th birthday we decided to have a Star Wars party. The USO on base has a theater room you can rent with a drink and popcorn machine. You just bring the movie and the cake. Owen has been begging to see Star Wars since he was born. OK, probably not that long but it sure seems like it. Once I heard we could rent the theater I knew that had to be his 5th birthday party. Jeff agreed and we set out to make our little "Jedi" a super cool Star Wars party. I think we succeeded. Hope you enjoy the pictures.

Conversations With My O

Getting ready for school one day:

Owen: Mommy, when I'm big enough to be a marine I'm going to be one, Then Daddy can take care of me and fix me too.

Mommy: Owen if you become a marine mommy will be very proud of you, but I'll pray that you don't get hurt so daddy won't have to fix you.

Owen: Yeah, I won't get hurt because I'm a really fast runner.

Mother's Day 2008

Happy Mother's Day GramZ and Grandma!

We Love You!

Jeff, Kristen, Owen, and Alison

P.S. I don't know how to make it not sideways. It is from our old camera and I'm not smart enough to figure it out. Hope you like it anyway.

For the Love of Shoes

Alison loves shoes. It is a dream come true. She loves her shoes, my shoes, your shoes, the neighbors shoes, and dress up princess shoes. She is an equal opportunity shoe lover. I have envisioned many a shoe shopping trip with my girl. Tonight I had to run dinner out to a friend and then run some errands, Which left Jeff to get the kids ready for bed. When I got home

Alison was already in bed and Jeff told me I needed to go check on her and her outfit. She apparently got very upset at Jeff's "jammie dress" selection and demanded another one. Then she insisted on "gocks" and "shus". Jeff wisely chose not to fight the battle and let her have socks and shoes.

I guess they could only find one shoe. I guess she didn't mind. Who doesn't love to sleep in their white patent church shoes? The other night she slept in sparkly flip flops. Some battles aren't worth the effort! Sleep well my little shoe lover.