First year of school
She did it...Audrey made it through her first year of big girl school. Today is last day of Pre 3-K at St. Ignatius Catholic School. She has made so many new friends, which whom she talks about constantly. She has learned so many new things, and over all she has really enjoyed her school year. All the teachers told me that she was the sweetest, well mannered little girl that they had known in long time. That just makes me beam with delight.

My precious girl, I am so proud of you. You are growing way to fast for me to handle. You no longer let me walk you to class, because as you said, "big girls walk by themselves". The first day you denied me of that, I teared up while I watched you. I loved that you kept looking back making sure I was still there, waving me good-bye and blowing me kisses. I have all your drawings that you made for me and daddy, and I will treasure them always.

I tried with all my might to attend all of you school parties, programs, and special days. Unfortunately, I did have to miss a couple. I promise to make it to all of your class parties next year. My favorite of all was the Mother's Day picnic. I loved sitting on our blanket and having our lunch together. You gave me an apron with your painted handprints all over it. Your Christmas program was precious. You stood on that stage and sang your heart out. You looked so cute in your denim pants, red turtle neck and Santa hat. I enjoyed your class parade. You were truly the cutest little bunny rabbit I have ever seen. Your Halloween party was a blast...you dressed as Tinkerbell, and we had pizza and fruit for lunch.

Thank you for making this first year of school easy for me. I cried when I walked you to class on your very first day. You were excited, but a bit nervous and scared all at the same time. When you got home on that day, you were talking a mile a minute. You already loved it, and had made what I pray for you, life long friends.

Audrey, I love you so very much. You are truly my greatest blessing. Sweet girl, I hope you enjoy your summer break as much as you enjoyed your first year of school.

One of my favorites...

Happy 4th Birthday AudreyOur sweet baby girl has turned four years old. It seems like it was just yesterday that I held her for the very first time and fell completely in love with her. She was such a tiny little baby, with a bit of dark hair, and the same blue eyes.

Her birthday was on a Tuesday this year, but we started her birthday week with dinner of her choice Monday night. She chose the "Bar-B-Que House"...a.k.a. Dreamland. She was given a bowl of vanilla ice-cream for dessert.

Tuesday, I delivered cupcakes to Audrey's class for their morning snack. As we walked in the class room door, she was greeted with lots of birthday wishes. Miss Lucy presented her with a special birthday hat, which she wore all day long. She was the lucky duck for the day, where she was the line leader, got to sit in the special chair, assist Miss Lucy, and feed the class fish. Audrey told me that all the kids sang "Happy Birthday" to her and this made her so happy. She told me this was the best birthday ever!!!

After school, she had her two best friends, Margaret Catherine and Raley over for Happy Meals and birthday cake. The three of them had a really good time. All of them dressed up in Audrey's princess dresses and sat down like little ladies to have dinner and dessert. They played outside on the swing set for a while, but given it was a school night we had to call it a night early.

Wednesday evening Audrey was invited to have dinner with Margaret Catherine at her house. This came as a wonderful surprise to her. She loves to socialize with her friends. She took her pj's with her, and came home all clean and ready for bed. This was more of a favor for me than a treat for her. Thank you Deacy.

Lindsay came to stay with Audrey Thursday evening while Ward and I went on our usual date. We danced and laughed the night away. We toasted to our sweet little girl's birthday. Our dates are always such fun. We are with the same friends, at the same place, sitting at the same table, but it never seems to get old.

Friday, Gramps and Robin arrived to help celebrate Audrey's birthday. We went for dinner at the Bar-B-Que house.....yes this was the second time in the same week....but who's counting. Harding and Thomas were able to join us. It really turned out to be a really nice evening. Everyone was incredibly tired, so after dinner and chatting for a bit, we headed home to rest up for Audrey's big Hoedown at the park.

Saturday Morning....The Big Day!!! I was up early as expected. I got myself ready and started loading up the car. Deacy offered to get Audrey dressed and to her party. This gracious act of kindness really took a huge weight off of me. Thank you again Deacy.

Audrey arrived at her party with her denim skirt, plaid shirt, pigtails, and boots. She looks absolutely adorable. Nearly all of her class mates were there. All the kids were given a cowboy hat and bandanna. After playing in the park for a while, everyone sat down for lunch itching for the ponies to arrive. Thankfully they were right on schedule. Most of the kids lined up and waited there turn. Audrey was a little hesitate at first, but she rode her pony. She was so proud of herself, she just beamed with pride.

I tried with all my might to hold off on the gift opening until we got home. Audrey wasn't at all in favor of that idea. She opened all her gifts and she was sure to say thank you to everyone. Our gift to her this year was a pair of roller skates. Whites boots with pink wheels. I cannot wait to get her to the rink. She has been practicing in our living room, and doing really well so far.

After her party, we headed home where we all three took a really needed nap. After our nap, Audrey was still in the birthday week mood so she decided that we should have dinner at the Cracker Barrel. My mother and grandmother were able to join us.

Audrey's birthday week turned to be fantastic. I am so grateful for all of our family and friends who were able to make Audrey's 4th birthday so wonderful. I am very happy that Gramps and Robin were able to drive in from Demopolis and spend the weekend with us, and help celebrate our baby girl's special day.