Playing Catch Up - Part 1: Bayleigh Starts School

I know that I previously posted how I was going to do better about keeping my blog updated, and I know that I failed miserably. I am constantly thinking about the stories that I should put up on my blog, but finding the time to do it is much more difficult. Although I won't go back too far, I am going to backtrack a little to a VERY important day...August 16, 2010, Bayleigh's first day of Kindergarten.

Now, I must start by sharing with you that this is the FIRST time Bayleigh has ever been away from me. With my teaching degree, as well as the blessing of getting to stay home with my girls, I never saw any reason to put Bayleigh in preschool. That being said, this day was VERY hard on me. Even as we bought her uniforms and school supplies, the reality of it all still hadn't set in, but in that last weekend before school started, I realized that our lives would soon be different forever.

As for Bayleigh's school, we chose to enroll her Thunderbird Christian Elementary School. It is an Adventist school, and since we attend Camelback Seventh Day Adventist Church, a church that helps to support the school, a portion of her tuition is subsidized by the church. We loved the campus from the first time we saw it, and the small, family-like group of faculty is top-notch. An added bonus is that we live only 3 1/2 miles from the school.

Bayleigh had so many questions about how things worked, what she would do each day, and how long she would be there for. She slept well the night before, but woke VERY early. She beamed with pride as I braided her hair and added some special touches of lip gloss and perfume. We were fortunate to have both of our parents come over before school for pictures and to see her off. As I sat beside her on the ride to school, it took everything I had to hold back the tears and act excited for her. I could tell she was a little nervous, but she was more than ready to move on to this next phase in her life.

So as I watched my beautiful daughter walk to class with a fancy pink backpack on, so many memories flooded my mind. I thought of the first time I held her in my arms, and how she kept sticking her tiny pink tongue out between her bright red lips. I also thought about all the times she would get in my closet and put on my high heels, and parade through the house...clip-clopping all the way. I thought of how she would lay beside me, hours at a time, when I was on bedrest while pregnant with the twins. I can still hear her sweet 2 year old voice saying, "Mommy, tell me a tory of when you a little gurl." She would smile at me and gaze into my eyes and heart as I told her all of my stories.

With my eyes glassed over, I helped Bayleigh hang her backpack up, put her supplies in her cubby, snap a picture with her precious teacher, Ms. Gloria, and finally find her spot on the floor. It took everything I had to peel myself away from her, and as I walked out of her class, a few tears finally slipped out. I was lucky enough to share these precious moments with my own mother, who reminded me of the how it seemed like only yesterday that she saw me off to Kindergarten and now she was watching me do the same with my own daughter. Moments like these are reminders of how we have to cherish every second with our children and loved ones...time flies.

Brooke and Brylee give Bayleigh morning snuggles to start her day off.

Showing off her new school clothes.

Our little school girl

My precious daughter making her way to class.

Bayleigh and her teacher, Ms. Gloria

Bayleigh 2009 Recital

Click here to view this photo book larger

Brooke's Intense Workout

Tonight my in-laws invited us over for a delicious dinner at their house. Vergie really went all out with brisket, asparagus, rolls, broccoli salad, mashed potatoes, fresh veggies, snicker doodles, and coconut pie. Now, Brooke is my child who I consider a borderline vegetarian, with the exception of chicken nuggets, burritos, and spaghetti, she is far more content eating a plate of tomatoes, peas, and carrots. Since our delicious dinner had so many of her favorite veggies, I didn't even bother giving her any meat...I assumed she wouldn't eat it. Well, Brooke sampled a piece of her Grammar's brisket, and her inner Texan must have come out. Vegetables were pushed to the side as she opted for a HUGE amount of meat. Now the story doesn't end here. After dinner, Brooke discovered her grandparents workout room. We found her doing an extremely intense workout that must be due to all that protein. I wish the lighting was a little better...her facial expressions are priceless.

Now, we all know there are a lot of crazy diet and workout trends out there. Any thoughts on if a toddler led workout would be a best seller?

Happy 54th Birthday Dad!

Dads just don't get any better than you. You may have never given me everything I wanted growing up, but you always made sure I had more than enough of what I needed. You gave me your time, your wisdom, an ear to listen, your love, and so much more. You taught me the value of family, and showed me the qualities I should want in my own husband. You made sure that I grew up knowing Jesus and what it meant to be a Christian. You kept loving me, even when I didn't always make the best choices. You were always there for me, as you still are today. I am so thankful for your 54 years and especially the 28 you have been my Dad for. I love you. I miss you. I can't wait to see you again!

Happy 54th Birthday Dad!!!

Memorial Day Fun

Although, Jason was busy working on Memorial Day this year, we got to spend the day with another man I love so much...my dad! Of course, Mom was there too, and all 5 of us girls had to fight for his attention. We spent the afternoon up at the Westgate shopping center in Glendale. We had a delicious lunch at Yard House followed up with a walk and the fountain show. Here are a few snapshots from in front of the fountains.

Brylee giving Brooke a extremely tight squeeze...sorry about the eye Brooke.

Miss Brooke, waiting for the perfect opportunity to sneak under the chain.
Bayleigh...always ready with a fancy pose.

Dad and Mom

Mom and Bayleigh resting on the bench...it was HOT outside!

Brylee, asking if we could swim in the fountain.

Sorry if its a little dark...Dad and Mom with all their grandgirls!

Splish Splash

I wasn't really ready for it, but swim season has officially arrived at our house. Fortunately for me, my girls aren't worried about Mommy looking her best in a swimsuit...as long as she is splashing around playing Little Mermaid with them, nothing else matters. This weekend we got an extra special treat...my Dad is in town, so my mom and I let him take a turn in the pool with the girls. Here is my little Brooke. She is by far the most cautious of the bunch...always practicing pool safety.

After convincing Brooke to shed her life jacket. She proceeded with caution on the raft. Making sure to stay close to big sister, Bayleigh.

Brylee, my most daring of the bunch is bribing Grandad with some of her sweet kisses. Immediately following these smooches she wanted him to toss her up in the air!

My little lifeguard Bayleigh. She is such a great help in the pool. Always making sure her sisters are safe, and a great swimmer herself.

Grandad may not be into playing Little Mermaid, but he and the girls turned the pool into a Cirque de Soleil show. My crazy Brylee couldn't get enough of being launched into the air.

Here is Miss Bayleigh, showing the girls how to nail a perfect launch and landing.

Guess who finally came around for a toss of her own? Brooke!!!

I must add that it was the first and only. The smile on her face in the picture, quickly turned to one of worry and distress.

I must admit that I am really looking forward to swimming with the girls this summer. I used to have so much fun swimming as a kid, and as an adult, I have gotten so boring. Pool season consisted of getting wet and then laying out. Why should I cook myself in Arizona's hot summer temps for the sake of a tan, when I can be splashing around, making memories with my girls....while pretending to be a mermaid.

VIP

I will be the first to admit that I am not the easiest person to buy gifts for...not because I am picky, but because I can never pinpoint something I specifically want. Many of the things I "need" do not fall into the exciting gift category, so I usually have to end up buying them myself. For example, this year I needed a new hand mixer, some of my favorite shampoo (Toni and Guy Superstar), place mats, and a new front door mat. Although, I would have been thrilled to get any one of them...I don't think my gift givers wanted to be known as the one that gave me the door mat. Of course, then there is the opposite side of the spectrum...the dream gifts. I would love a Canon Rebel camera, a new computer, laser hair removal, a maid, a cook, and to sleep in every morning...none of which I will have anytime soon. Now, the reason I am talking about all this gift giving is because I just celebrated my 28th birthday. It was a great, low-key day...lots of relaxing, good food, family and friends. My gifts were quite nice this year...clothes, purse, gift cards, and money BUT there was one gift that stood out above all the rest. I would have never thought to give such an awesome gift, and it is my absolute FAVORITE!!! My blog isn't just a blog anymore...it is an OFFICIAL website. www.catchingupwiththecarters.com My cousin-in-law Michele...bought me the domain for my birthday. I must admit that I feel extremely important to have my own website, and you should feel important for knowing someone that has their own website...just kidding:) Actually, this gives me newly added pressure to do a better job at keeping my site updated. I am feeling quite motivated and will probably stay up far later than I should tonight working on it (leaving me wishing for the above dream gift of sleeping in.) Thank you again Michele!