Collin’s 5th Birthday Party

Collin has asked to have a birthday party at his house for years, and so this year we finally obliged. He wanted to have a Knight theme, complete with swords, Armour and a fire-breathing dragon. (He asked Paw Paw to be the fire-breathing dragon, so Nana made a costume for him).

After many weekends of preparing the yard, deck and zip line knowing we were planning an outdoor birthday party, the day of the party (Sun, Aug 30^th) was torrential downpours. We improvised and played a few games inside, watching the boys attack each other with their foam swords while the girls calmly decorated their princess hats. It wasn’t exactly what we had planned but the kids had fun, and got to do a few rides on the zip line, slay the dragon, and eat a castle birthday cake mom I made. We were so thankful to have mom & dad here to help, before during and after. Collin had fun at his party, but next year will be at the pool!

1st Week of Kindergarten

It’s amazing that our little Collin is in Kindergarten – riding the bus and everything! We survived the first week but it’s been an adjustment for everyone. Collin fared better than I would have expected. Everyone told me he’d be exhausted for the first few weeks, and he did require a few more time outs than normal in the late afternoons, but overall he’s done really well. In fact, he even woke by himself before 6:30 three out of the five days. Mom hasn’t adjusted as easily to the new schedule of having to help get him dressed, fix lunch, eat breakfast together and get out the door by 7 AM for the bus. I know I need to go to bed earlier, but it’s hard for a night owl when late evenings seem to be the only time I can get things done. Plus, Carson’s been waking earlier and earlier now with the change in schedule – 4:30 one day...got him back to sleep at 6 which did me no good since I had to be up 10 minutes later. Mike’s been a big help in getting Collin out the door and we’ve not missed the bus yet. Schools is within walking distance if we do, but I’d rather plan on walking in advance.

We haven’t heard a lot of details about the day from him, but he does like recess (who doesn’t?) and lunch. He got to buy lunch one day, which he was very excited about. Instead of taking money they have an account that we can just add money to online. Things are much different that when we were in school!

Here's a picture of Collin's classroom. They have multiple tables where they do their work, a computer station, a book corner and play area. We are happy with his teacher and thrilled that he likes school, though perhaps not as much as preschool.!

Mary Kay Seminar

The first Mary Kay seminar I attended was a life-changing experience, but I probably enjoyed this year even more than the other two I’ve attended. It was great to be able to view it through my teammate Tracy’s eyes seeing it the first time, and be reminded at what an awesome company I have the privilege of being involved with! The philosophy of Mary Kay is Faith 1st, Family 2nd Career 3rd...Mary Kay believed you can reward a woman to success. It’s incredible to see how many lives have been affected by this company and to hear the inspirational stories and training from our leaders! It’s hard to explaine seminar but is sorta like a cross between the Academy Awards, Ms. America pageant, an inspirational leadership training/retreat and a broadway musical...here's a picture of one of the entertainment numbers from Slum Dog Millionnaire.

Dad picked us up from seminar with the boys in the car and we had my favorite Thai food on the way to the airport. I have to say eating Thai Chilli with my former co-workers is one of the few things I miss about working from an office away from home. I am so grateful for the time I have with the boys, my freedom, flexibility, the opportunity to select the people I work with, helping others be successful, and the amazing personal growth opportunities I have with Mary Kay!