My little GIrl....

I knew this day would come....just didn't realize it would get here so quickly! I can't believe that I am now the mom of (almost) 2 teenagers! Where has the time gone???? My little Peanut will turn 12 in about an hour. If you want to get technical she won't actually turn 12 til

9:46AM October 29th.

I always wanted a little girl. I am grateful that I had Baylee after Graison, for selfish reasons. Growing up, I always wanted an older brother. So, I always wanted to have a boy first, so that my daughter would have the relationship with a "big brother". Things worked out perfect!!! (Unless you have met my kids and realize that they haven't quit hit that stage where they like each other!!)

Baylee has been such an addition to our family. She definitely has a little attitude, but that is just her personality and we have all adjusted to it. She has a very loving and caring side to her as well. But defiantly learning to come into her own.

I am so proud of her. She has joined the ranks of "middle school" this year and has jumped in with both feet. She ran cross country, ran for 6th grade vice president, made the dance team at school, is playing the cello, joined the chess club, and making plans to play tennis and run track in the Spring. I love that she has tried every opportunity she could.

I will never forget the day of dance tryouts. It was an all day Saturday affair. I signed her in at 10AM for her to call me at 4PM telling me they were done. I sped (yep sped) up to the school to wait outside with her until they posted the results on the door of they gym. She was up all huddled with friends, about 100 girls auditioned. I sat in the car....on the phone with MY mom. In tears, reliving the days of when I was trying out for dance and knowing that my mom was outside waiting for me. How funny how the circle continues....

While I was on the phone....my mom could hear the girls scream! Here come the results!!!! I had to hang up with my mom cause I was in hysterics!!! I will be honest, I was ready to console Baylee, telling her she could try out next year. But the look on her face.....and her yelling I MADE IT!!! Our first call was to my mom....

So, Baylee, I just want you to know that I love you. I know you will probably never log on to read this (do you even know we have a blog??) haha But to all my friends and family, I want you to know how much I love my daughter. How proud I am of my daughter. I don't think you could ever explain the bond between a mother and daughter.

Believe me I have tried!!!

Catch up....

I know its been a while since I have posted anything to my blog. Just seemed like time got away from me....plus it was summer and we really didn't do much.

I do have a new nephew! My sister Jennifer had her 4th little boy. She didn't find out what she was having this time, which drove me crazy! I just knew it was a little girl though. She had a neat experience with her husband Joseph being able to deliver this little bundle of joy. When she called to tell me is was a little boy, I was both thrilled and excited for her. They named him Lennox Ottoway. Which is so cute!

I have been looking forward to school starting...I think since the last day of school last year! But as we are on the eve of the first day, I am sad that summer has gone by so quickly. I feel that we really didn't get the chance to do much "fun" stuff.

I have been talking with the kids about being in middle school. Here in Meridian, 6-8th graders are together in a middle school. So this means Graison and Baylee will be at the same school. Graison of course is devastated, Baylee of course is thrilled!! We have been telling Graison to have fun and enjoy his last year of being "top dog" as this won't happen again until he is a Senior. We have talked to Baylee about changing classes and peer pressure. Which lead us to talking about growing up and becoming a Young Woman. She will turn 12 in a few months and she asked me about.....

Yes, she learned how to shave her legs. It was a funny experience, and she only had a few little scrapes.

So, that pretty much brings you up to date. I am sure with school starting, I will have more to update. Graison is playing football and Baylee is running cross country. They are both excited to get back into a routine and to be around friends.

End of The School Year

I can't believe that another school year is over with. It seems like just yesterday that we arrived in Boise, and here we are finishing the first school year here. I think the kids have done amazing as far as adjusting to new schools.

Graison finished the 7th grade with a GPA of 3.2. He had to work hard the 4th quarter to get this GPA, but I am proud of him for sticking with it and getting it accomplished. Graison played football for the Sawtooth Sabercats. Then he decided he wanted to try his luck at tennis. His record was 6-2, and I was pretty impressed for never playing tennis before.

Baylee finished 5th grade with all A's. She scored perfect on her ISATS (equivalent to MAP tests). With her grades and test scores she earned the President's Education Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence. I was very proud of her as only 5 other kids in the school were awarded this amazing accomplishment. She is also excited because she has math homework over the summer! This will allow her to be in 7th grade math next year.

Baylee had a surprise waiting for her after school yesterday. Her and 11 of her friends were greeted with balloons and then taken around the corner to see this waiting for them.....

The moms had all been in touch and behind this amazing surprise. We wanted the girls to have something special to remember their last day as "elementary students" and on their way to MIDDLE SCHOOL. The look on their faces was priceless! They were all surprised and couldn't wait to get on their way.

They went on a scavenger hunt. The first stop was Target where they had $2 and had to buy the biggest item they could find. The next stop was Edwards movie theatre where they had to find a ticket stub for a certain movie. Then the last stop was b&b photography (scott's work) for a group photo.

I think Baylee will remember her last day of school this year and her first ride in a Limo. They had a great time and it was so worth the planning!