My Knight and My Princess

The Summer Reading Program at Launa's Little Library was to become a knight or a princess after reading (or hearing) 20 books. Here are some photos of the kids as they were knighted and ... princessed?


Check out Queen Mrs. K! Madeleine receiving her tiara and scepter.



Everett receiving his knight helmet (is it a helmet?)


How cute!


Everett checking out books.


Madeleine checking out books.

Madeleine "pushing" Everett in the swing

More like twirling... love this video!




Does it make you want to throw up?

Last day of school

I'm just going through some photos of the summer and wanted to pay tribute to Madeleine's school for the past year. Madeleine (and Everett) have been going with me to Oak Lawn UMC Monday-Wednesday when I work (part-time) and occasionally Fridays as well (when I relax!) to the incredible Child Development Center at Oak Lawn. The Oak Lawn Child Development Center is a full-time daycare, and the teachers have all been there forever and I have been incredibly blessed by the love that the entire staff has shared with my children. I wanted to share some photos of Madeleine with her teachers.

I am also blessed Monday mornings to be the Chapel Lady and to read a Bible story, sing songs, and share in the Lord's Prayer with the 4 oldest classes (15 minutes in each class). I am pooped after that hour!

By the way, I just figured out how to embed a slideshow onto the homepage of the church website, check it out! I am so smart!

Madeleine with Ms. Jamie

Madeleine with Ms. Teresa (and Ms. Kathleen sitting at the table)

Madeleine took this picture!

Thank you Oak Lawn United Methodist Church Child Development Center!

One More Video of my fish

I am just amazed at my five year old little girl swimming the back stroke in this video. Had to share another swimming video.

An Ode to Launa's Library

I remember reading about Launa's Library in People Magazine (article can be found here) and thinking that one day it would be really neat to go there. Now, we go there all the time! Launa's Library is a library on the 2nd floor of the home of Mrs. K.

Last week Mrs. K had her annual pajama story time and I took Madeleine and her cousin Sydney while my sister Kristin made sure Everett didn't wake up and also made sure Austin didn't wake up Everett. Mrs. K has the most patience of anyone I know and actually hosted the pajama storytime on 2 consecutive Friday evenings. She read a ton of books, and even one in English while a librarian friend read the same book in Spanish.


Madeleine all ready to go in her jammies. The yellow bag on her shoulder is her library bag that Mrs. K gives to all of the library members.

Madeleine and Sydney (in green jammies) listening closely.


The dual reading of a book in English and Spanish.

Mrs. K. Love her!

First Day of School

Madeleine had her first day of kindergarten on Monday. She loved it! Today (her 2nd day) she wanted to bring money for lunch and now she wants to buy her lunch everyday! The first thing that she said when I picked her up yesterday was, "Mom, I have so many new friends!"

Everett is having a harder time adjusting. After we dropped Madeleine off we still had our 20 minute drive to Oak Lawn UMC. The entire way Everett inquired about Madeleine, "Madela, Madela..." I heard this a gazillion times! Then, when I picked him up, he kept saying, "Mommy, Mommy," and pointing to Madeleine's carseat. He was obviously reminding me that I had forgotten to get Madeleine.

Madeleine also started tap class on Monday. She took preballet last year and was not too interested in ballet this year. She was really interested in tap class. I'll take pictures next Monday, promise! She did great in a class of 5-7 year olds and is definitely following the teacher's instructions to practice.

the annual photo in front of the school.

I thought I would cry, but she was just so happy, so excited! My baby girl is in kindergarten!

They sold Moss Haven (the name of her school) bling at the school supply sale, so I turned all crafty and ironed it on this pink tie dye shirt from Target.

Family photo

Madeleine at her desk.

Last swimming class

For THREE years every Saturday we have gone to swimming class at Emler's. It has been great and Madeleine can swim freestyle and breaststroke. We decided to take a break and not sign up for the fall session and wait until the spring when Everett and I will do aquababies and Madeleine can continue in super swimmers or whatever her class is called. In celebration of her last class, Everett and I joined Madeleine in the "baby pool," where the kids can play after swimming class. Sorry to include both pictures, Madeleine was smiling in one and Everett in the other! And two videos, one breaststroke kick and one breaststroke arms.