The Final Bell

The kids have finished their first year of public school. They brought home their little checklist and they have all +'s. I can't say that Pre-K really posed all that much of a challenge for them, but they've definitely progressed in some areas. Their fine motor skills have improved,their handwriting is much improved, and they can count to 100. Overall, it's been a fantastic and most importantly positive year for the kids. In fact, things went so well, that they will be in a class together next year. (I keep putting off splitting them up).

It's hard to believe; it seems like only yesterday I was posting pictures of their first day. I think most of us are ready for summer with the exception of Delaney, who could go year round. The boys love school but are tired of having to get up and be somewhere. I certainly can't blame them.

Mrs. Whitehill took photos of the kids throughout the year and was so generous to share them with parents, so I had to make a little slide show of their Pre-K memories.

Little Dancer

She may no longer be my tiny dancer, but she's still my little dancer and continues to put her heart into every move, smiling from ear to ear. It's hard to believe that at five, this was her third dance recital.Between rehearsal and recital we camped out at my best friend, Carole's house. The girls enjoyed a little play time, then we turned up the music and the girls sang while being styled. We capped off our time with a little photo session.

Delaney & Grace

This is a bittersweet year as most of Delaney's friends have decided to try new things. Next year, Delaney will be moving to a studio which has a special performance group that performs throughout the year at various events and a few competitions.

Delaney woke up at 6:40 Saturday morning, so it was an extremely long day. When I arrived back stage to pick her up, she was on her adrenaline high, all grins, and excited to see everyone. However, when I informed her that some of her fan base had to leave early, she was so disappointed that her emotions got the best of her. She had a complete meltdown. What can I say, she is all girl! Once, I got her calmed down this was the best shot I could get of her.

Fairytale

Recently, I came in contact with an old friend who I would guess was shocked to find out I had triplets. In fact her response was, "What a fairytale." I thought that was a unique way of putting it. I've heard a lot of things, but that was not one of them.

Today, my life probably would have appeared to be anything but happily ever after. Rick and I went to the bedlam baseball game last night and the kids stayed with my mom. It was quite obvious early in the day that they didn't sleep well away from home. We had a baseball game this morning, which further wore them out. While there were moments of happiness today, there were equally as many unhappy ugly moments. You name it, if it wasn't going their way, they cried about it. Seemed like they couldn't look at each other without name calling and having a meltdown. And, I can't begin to count the number of times I heard, "Mooomm!" in a highly urgent irritated tone. There were many times today that I could have certainly pulled my hair out, and I wish I could say that I always responded with kindness and patience, but that would be a lie. I can however, honestly say I kept thinking, Thank you God for allowing me to be a mother.

I am always especially mindful around this time of the year of what a blessing from God I have received. I still remember how it felt to wonder if I would ever experience the gift of children. I have close friends and family struggling to begin the family they so desire. I pray that God will soon answer their prayers and that He will give them comfort and faith as only He can.

Jax, Delaney, & Baylor,

I know you only view your pictures on this blog, but one day you will be able to read all of this. I want you to know what a truly precious gift you are to me and how each of you have blessed me in ways beyond my imagination. You are on EVERYDAY.... my fairytale.

Busted

A couple of days ago, Delaney and Jax were playing their version of "American Idol" where Delaney was a rock star. Of course they had been running to tell me things every few minutes and of course I played along with their little game. One time, Delaney came to me and launched into a story at the same time I received a text. So, I attempted to multi -task by listening to her and read the text at the same time. But, guess she was onto me because all of the sudden she stated, "mom, repeat what I just said." I was caught. I knew it had something to do with her Dad and Tuesday and Wednesday, but I didn't know the details. I tried to make something up and play a little stupid but she basically told me, "now listen to my words this time."

Miss Smarty Pants later in the evening was taking her bath and wanted to ask her dad a question. I told her it would be a second because he was busy. (As you can imagine with three kids, I do say this quite often). She informed me, "you say that all the time, but it is never a second. It's more like and hour or at least a minute!"

Priceless Cards

When I picked up the kids today, Baylor told me, "Happy Muders Day!" The kids were super excited to give me the cards they had made at school. I have no idea where some of these answers came from. I'm not sure these paint me as the best mother, but they are funny.

I don't have a scanner so I had to take pictures, which don't really do their creations justice. I certainly don't keep everything, but these are keepers. Front of Delaney's Card

Baylor's Facts About Mommy! I can't remember the last time I had orange juice and certainly didn't realize I spent that much time drying my hair. I also can't take credit for cooking steak (at least not very often). This is probably wishful thinking on his part.

Delaney's Facts About Mommy. Love her perception of my age and weight. Although, she does call me on eating junk. Thought this was such a sweet photo of my little girl.

Jax's Facts About Mommy. On the flip side, Jax thinks I'm really old. He also apparently had me confused with his dad. He was referring to "How It's Made, " which is something he watches with Rick.

Ready for the Big Stage

Delaney's year of dedication to dance will soon pay-off as she performs on (as she refers to it) the "big stage." Once again, she is super excited and has been counting down the weeks. Last week, I was able to watch her perform. She's definitely becoming much more serious. (In the past, she has had a tendency to be so darn happy and giggly that it was hard to keep her balance. ) She's performing a ballet dance to "Come to Jesus"; it's so sweet and is sure to bring tears to my eyes recital night.