Tooth Fairy time

Grace has the belief that being six years old is the reason behind everything these days. She had loose teeth before she was six, but now she has lost two teeth since she has been six.
The first tooth was her bottom middle right. I ended up plucking it out of her mouth because she wasn't quite brave enough. The second one, her bottom middle left was easier for her. We were hanging out at her friends house when she came to me and said "Mom,my tooth came out!" I knew it was coming out today but I thought I was going to be doing the same as the first tooth. Instead, she got a piece of toilet paper and plucked it out herself.
As you can imagine she looks goofy. But still the cutest goofy looking kid I know. I do believe that it will be a little while before she loses another one since there are no other loose ones right now.
And good thing, because the tooth fairy brings $2 for each tooth.
Check out the new look she's rockin'!

Grace is six years old

If six years ago my daughter would not have "graced" us with her presence my heart would not beat the same. She has a twinkle in her eyes that shines brighter each day.
Chris and I both are constantly amazed at the words that come out of her mouth, and how much of an amazing little lady she is growing up to be.
I decided to ask her a few questions so I could show her in the years to come and also for us to look back on and see how she has changed. She was actually quite reserved in her answers, which shocked me. I am still going to share them with you since I think a few of them will still make you smile.

Grace's birthday questionnaire

1.How old are you?
6
2. What is your favorite color?
Pink
3. What present are you hoping someone got you?
A Barbie
4. Who is your best friend?
Cody from kindergarten
5. What do you want to be when you grow up?
A Claire's worker
6. What is your favorite thing to do?
Color
7. What is your favorite food?
Grilled cheese
8. What food will you not eat?why?
Salad, bc I just don't like it
9. What are you hoping you get to do now that you are 6?
Get my ears pierced
10. What is something you say all the time?
I love my mom and dad
11. What do you think is most important in life?
To love your whole family
12. Is there any question you want to ask me?
...long silence, then...no

The answers I found interesting were the one about her best friend, and what she wants to be when she grows up. Cody, is her new flavor of the month. I actually have not even met it, and the one time I saw her saying hi to him at school he didn't acknowledge her. Boys are so clueless! Or, he is in kindergarten and still thinks girls have koodies, which is normal. I guess Grace is just a boy crazy kinda gal. And then, the Claire's worker. She must know that mom and dad will love her no matter what, but I sure would hope her aspirations would be a little higher. I'll be listening closely to the answer next year!
We still have her friend birthday part y coming up this weekend. I know Grace will love to celebrate her birthday all over again, especially with her friends.

I can't believe I have a six year old. And Grace told me no one else will believe it either because she doesn't even look six yet. Ha!

~ Em

It hits close to home

Late last week a family was told their son had leukemia. As you can imagine, the new was shocking and unexpected. Their son, Fynn is three years young. I have had the opportunity to meet Fynn through a mutual friend. He is your typical little boy, with plenty of energy and smiles.

I am sharing Fynn's story because it is the least I can do. My son William is three also, and as a parent my heart aches to even imagine if this was my son.
A fundraiser has been started to help Fynn and his family. I urge anyone and everyone to help in any way you can.
Please follow the link below and join in The Fight for Fynn. You can read more about Fynn and see all the people that have already stepped up in support of him. Any support YOU can give this family, be it monetary, or otherwise is appreciated.
I am coming from a place where if this were my child, I can only hope that people in my community would be generous and open their hearts to our family.

"Hands that give, also receive."- Unknown
http://www.giveforward.com/fightforfynn

Our first team sport

Grace went back and forth on it but finally decided she wanted to sign up for soccer. I never played soccer when I was younger, Chris did though.
We practiced a little with Grace before the first practice and she was mostly positive about it. She whined some but that isn't anything new.
Her first practice was Tuesday. And did I mention Chris volunteered to coach! We are hoping it helps Grace feel more comfortable to trying something new.
Practice was...ummm...interesting. I ended up helping Chris because as it turns out, the kids couldn't focus. I am hoping the next practice is more successful and less stressful.
One practice down!

~ Em

Kiddos first day of school

The day as finally come. I always knew it was coming. But when the time is actually here, you feel like you just blinked and you don't know how it could possibly be here. How do I have kids old enough to be going to school?! Yikes!
A lot of preparation went into being ready for the first day of school. Grace of course only could think of one thing she needed...school clothes! So Grace was taken school clothes shopping by both Grandma's and Mom and Dad. Do you think each Grandma bought her just one outfit, uh, no. Somehow Grace came back after shopping with more clothes than anyone intended to get her. She is becoming quite the skilled negotiator. And I think she is more than prepared, clothes wise, for her kindergarten year. Will also got new clothes, he knew sister was, and he has to do the same as her or that just wouldn't be fair. Thank goodness I have one child that is easier to please.
We took baths, set out our special outfit for the first day of school, and got the kids to bed right on time. When I woke up, I gave myself plenty of time to have breakfast ready, the kids dressed and a few minutes for pictures. As I am sure, the moms that have been there and done that know, my morning did not go as planned. There were tears from both kids. Grace because she changed her mind on her outfit and was upset that I wouldn't let her wear a skirt with no pants underneath. And Will because Grace sat where he wanted to sit to eat breakfast. I should have know emotions would be high. I even had a few moments myself, and them crying was only making it harder on me to hold it together. Somehow we got out of the house, with some cute pictures, on time.
Since the kids started school at the same time Chris and I had to each take one. I took Grace since I won't be able to take her everyday. And Chris took Will since my sister will normally be the one dropping off. Plus, if I took him, he is more likely to struggle with being left at school.
Both drop offs went smooth. Grace was so preoccupied with her classroom that after I told her I loved her, she told me it was time for me to go. Now if that doesn't break a moms heart.... And Will didn't seem to mind being left at school.
They also handled themselves well during school. Or so I am told by their teachers, and helpers. What a relief.
So now we enter the world of school. I am excited for everything school has to offer for the kids. Most importantly, their education, but in addition to that, the social factor, sports, and the friendships they will make no doubt. As we encounter obstacles, and exciting milestones I will keep you updated.
Life featuring Will and Grace just got a little more exciting!

~ Em

Our Saturday Market purchase

It can't come as too much of a shock that these shirts were purchased at Saturday Market, can it?
Grace had a tie dye dress that she wore until the threads were busting, it had seen better days. So that was why we ventured downtown Portland. Downtown with both kids, at a crowded place such a Saturday Market tends to give me anxiety. Also, it kicks in my momma bear instinct and has me on full alert. The kids listened to me and held my hand (tightly) the whole time. We had a good time, and stopped by a lot of neat booths. I wasn't planning on it but I ended up finding a cool birthday present for my sister too!
I don't know when we will make it back there, but I am guessing the next time Grace wears her dress out! Or Will's since we had to purchase him one too!

~ Em

End of Summer Beach Trip

Luckily, we were able to squeeze in a trip to the beach before summer ended. Somehow, summer flew by and when I was going over my checklist and everything I wanted to have us do this summer I realized we never got to the beach. Of course, when I searched online for a hotel practically everything was booked. Turns out I chose the weekend of Hood to Coast run. But I wasn't going to let them get in the way of our only open weekend left to get to the beach. I found a hotel in Lincoln City and it worked out.
We only stayed one night but with the cost of everything involved and being on the road with two kids one night was perfect. And once I booked the room I realized, we have never spent the night at the beach with the kids.
It was perfect weather when we arrived and we went straight to the beach. Well actually we made a pit stop at the kite store,and then straight to the beach. We flew kites,made sand castles, buried the kids and out toes in the sand.
How could we not stop at Mo's for chowder? Somehow we even had time to take a dip in the hotel pool. Private swimming lessons for the kids, courtesy of Chris.
Making memories as a family always puts a smile on my face!

~ Em