Pink boots and bows, that's our girl!

If Jayne Elizabeth's interest at 2 1/2 years old would predict her future she would be a world champion barrel racer or calf roper! She LOVES riding horses, and pretend plays at home that she is a cowgirl. A few weeks ago we have her on video with my bath robe belt saying "saddle up" as she would swing it in the air! She plays in the playroom and barks orders to the steers and horses "whoah", "settle down, you act wild cow!" Jayne Elizabeth stomps around in her pink Justin cowboy boots like she is the show! Needless to say when she found out that she was going to ride Eli, she was all smiles!!! Giggling, smiles! When we arrived at the farm she said "where dat horse at, I need to rope dem cows!" I couldnt tell who was prouder, Papa or Jayne Elizabeth?!?

 She loved this, she did not want to stop riding. I think she would have rode with Papa until dark.

Papa was attempting to teach her how to hold and rein Eli, her preference was only one rein, Eli was so good!

 She was SO happy, her face and sweet little hands on the reins says it all!!!

 After she was "confident" that she could handle the horse her imagination and love to rope set free!!

 Papa and Eli were both at the mercy of this little cowgirl, pretending her reins were a cow rope!!!

 Back at the barn, time to care for her horse.......pull baby girl, pull Eli this way!

 Helping Papa unsaddle and put Eli in his stall.

 Precious.

Ride, cowboy, ride~

Papa saddled up Eli and enjoyed some time on horseback with the kids on the farm. Joseph was eager to ride Eli, and Johnathan stayed true to his personality, and was cautious.  Joseph enjoyed riding behind Papa, and wanted Eli to go faster! Johnathan enjoyed riding, but also wanted to go check his chickens and gather eggs! It was a gorgeous day, and the kids are thrilled to be able to spend the night at the farm too! This is a special day, and they are so happy!

Pictures tomorrow of our little cowgirl, she deserved a blog post to herself!!!

First Day of School

It is official, the kids went to their first day of school at Crossville Christian School, we did it! The kids did great, no tears and no whining. Mommy on the other hand, did not so great. I attempted to keep myself distracted, but spent the majority of the day in tears. My girlfriends, and even the coffee shop that I frequent attempted to encourage me, with a free coffee and lots of support, ha! I must have looked pretty sad....but the kids and teachers had a good day!! All good reports from Mrs Aprel and Mrs Tracey! I think the teacher may have been a little confused with the boys, the report said Joseph ate better and slept better, but that is not consistent with their personality or the behavior the rest of the afternoon! Joseph told on himself for playing rowdy on the playground, we will work on that. Johnathan was excited about the chocolate milk he had at lunch, even though I ordered white milk! That was his blessing! Jayne Elizabeth seemed as though she had been in school before, she acted like this was any other day of fun! I reconsidered all day yesterday keeping her home with me, but I think she prefers school, ha! I am so thankful for the kids teachers, I truly believe this will be a great year for each of the kids. The students in their class are so sweet, and we know most of the families. I look forward to watch these kids grow, and I will continue to stay busy and distracted each Tuesday and Thursday. Feel free to call me, or visit on these days, I will actually be kid-free, the first time in four years, so bittersweet.

The school uniform and dress code, looks like we are ready for Harvard!

 Joseph, he looks like he is contemplating calculus!

 My sweet, and precious Jayne Elizabeth

 Welcome to pre-school!!! Briggs was already there to greet Jayne Elizabeth!

 Mrs. Jillina with Andrew and Jayne Elizabeth, these two kids are buddies for sure.

 Adorable, Mrs Dana and Briggs, this is preschool for sure!

 Johnathan with his sweet friend Karolina, he likes her!

 Mrs. Tracey has K4 ready and learning first thing on arrival, good job Mrs Tracey!

 The prayer and raising the flag ceremony, this is the students and teachers at CCS~

 Preschool is exhausting, Jayne Elizabeth and Andrew still napping when we arrived for pickup!

 Awe, these three melt my heart. I am so proud of them that I can barely keep it in. Jesus, thank you for these children, may they grow in grace and knowledge of you!

School, Going to school!

As I type the words "going to school", I can feel my heart sink and my eyes start to tear. However, the kids starting school is a decision covered in prayer, and a decision that our family is confident with. I just need to tell my heart that :) Johnathan and Joseph will start K 4, and Jayne Elizabeth will be starting the K 3 class. All three kids will only be going two days a week, unless they ask me to go more! They are all three so excited!! We have taken them to their school several times over the summer to visit, and also were very involved with school activites and fundraisers last year, attempting for all of us to be more acquainted with the process!! So, now it is time for our trio to go to school this week.  So far Joseph is the only one expressing a concern, he said "mommy, I will just come home and take my nap, I dont think I want to sleep there." However after trying out his mat and pillow, I think he is ready to give it a try. I have met both teachers, and truly feel like this will be a great year! Please join us in prayer for the students and teachers.

Johnathan and Joseph school supply shopping, wow, that was an experience!

We even wore our Crossville Christian School shirts, we are soaring eagles!

 This picture is hysterical, sometimes they can not keep their hands off each other, but it is so cute....

 Our house is looking very different, book bag hooks and organization systems!

 Baskets ready for school work.......

 A back to school craft for our teachers.....

 School supplies are so fun and exciting, until a sweet little 2 year old helps herself to the glue early one morning! Jayne Elizabeth is a mess, and probably the most excited about school!! Johnathan said "mommy, if I hear her cry, I will go to her class and get her." That boy melts my heart! More pictures of our first day on Thursday!

Rodeo memories.

The rodeo came to town, and we decided the kids were mature enough to understand and appreciate the livestock and athletes. Well, the local rodeo is NOTHING like the large, annual rodeos back home. Bullriding was the only event scheduled, and the arena was not what we expected. The kids did not know any different, so they enjoyed the night. Jayne Elizabeth did question where the cowgirls were hiding. The reason the night was so special to me was that our closest childhood family friends son, Jacob was in Tennessee for a visit. Jacob is a cowboy, and our kids enjoyed talking horses, hunting, and hay with Mr. Jacob. Jacob now has a gorgeous family back home in Okeechobee and enjoys living on their family farm. I did get a little sad that our kids will not have the big rodeo,ranch lifestyle, large family hunts, and fellowship that Jacob and I enjoyed growing up.  But, we love our new life, new friends and farm in Tennessee. Maybe one day I can show the kids my cowgirl tiara, and my rodeo picture days.

Mr. Johnathan

 Doesnt every cowgirl have a pink pair of Justin boots??!!! I think she is a rodeo princess in the making~

 Papa and Mr Jacob teaching the boys the language......

 When I looked down during the national anthem and prayer this is what I saw.....

 Priceless memories are made with family and dear friends...........