Sunday, January 30, 2011

Ellie's a Reader!!!

Ellie is getting so excited about starting kindergarten next year; it's all she talks about. She has a few favorite books that she loves for us to read over and over and has even started "reading" the story to us. I was telling a co-worker (a kindergarten teacher) about Ellie's interest in books and she hurriedly picked out books to send home for Ellie to try. I have to admit, I could hardly wait to show them to Ellie and see how she responded. Well, much to my delight...she loved them!!!! She sat at the table in her room, very kindergarten-like, and read. Over and over again, she read those books, her voice gaining confidence with each word. Of course, the books were sight word readers with repetitive text, but she read nonetheless.
As I listened to my little girl read her first book, I had flashes of reading Pug when I was her age and making everyone in my family listen to me read day after day--the same stories. It was a glorious feeling that fueled my love of reading and my confidence as a learner. I pray that Ellie will develop a confidence in herself and in what she is capable of that will remain with her no matter what struggles she faces.




Saturday, January 29, 2011

Wow, Five Years!

It's hard to believe that Gavin is 5! It seems like just yesterday my friends Lindsey, Amber, and I were planning nurseries, comparing cravings, and praying for easy deliveries. Well, it's official...those kiddos are growing up. Ella Grace and Gavin turned 5 this month and Ellie will in March. Today we helped celebrate Gavin's birthday with a camo themed party. Amber outdid herself, as usual, with camo all around, including the over 120 camo-cupcakes SHE baked (with a newborn in tow). Check out how much fun we had at the party.
Ellie jumped right in and never looked back.

Sadie Kate loved her ice cream...and daddy's!

Not really sure she wanted to go in there.

Ellie and Gavin

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Overheard...

*Ellie was reading her Bible story book and Sadie Kate looks over at the page and says, "Look, at that baby. That's Jesus! I sure do like Jesus".

*As we were leaving for church Sunday, Sadie Kate yells, "Where's my Bible? I want my Bible! It tells me   so!"

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Happy Birthday, Mark!!

Today is Mark's birthday and the girls and I tried so hard to be sweet all day (we don't do that for just anyone, so I hope he feels extra special). Being the center of attention is so far from his comfort level, but hey, he can do it one day a year, right? The girls let him sleep late (til about 8:00) then woke him with hugs, kisses, and cards. We treated him to monkey bread for breakfast (along with a lovely serenade and candles), 5 Guys Burgers & Fries for lunch, and chicken spaghetti for dinner. Wow, that sounds like all we did today was eat...but, it was his day and he was in charge!

Mark,
We love you and pray that we will be blessed to spend many more food-filled birthdays with you.
Love,
L,e,sk

What a happy ending to a happy day!

Thursday, January 20, 2011

One Crazy Week

It's been somewhat of a crazy week for the Mayos. Monday, the girls and I took advantage of our day off and went to visit my grandparents, Dad, and Carol. We were having a great time playing at Pop and Cici's when Ellie started running a fever. So we loaded up, drove home, and discovered her temp. was 103.2. Mark and I looked at each other and said..."flu". Surprisingly, the next day she was back to normal and her flu test was negative...no fever, no chills, no more symptoms. Luckily, Mom and Nana came to the rescue and stayed home with her just to make sure the fever didn't return. We are so fortunate that they are willing to help us out (often at the drop of a hat).

Thursday, the girls made their first appearance of the week at daycare and not by choice. Neither wanted to get out of bed, much less go to "school". I was getting desperate and decided to tell them of our plans to meet their friends, Gavin, Ella Grace, Major, and Kurt at Chick-Fil-A that night. Once I did, they popped up and were eager to start their day. The kids had a blast playing and eating ice cream while the moms enjoyed catching up over waffle fries. I absolutely adore their moms and would love to do this more often--hint, hint!

Little Girls and Sparkles


This afternoon, Mom called and said she had made the girls outfits for Valentine's Day and Minnie Mouse shirts (their newest love). The girls couldn't wait to get to Mimi's and see their new clothes; once again, Mimi didn't disappoint! The girls were over the moon for the clothes and tried them on as soon as we got home. Something tells me these outfits will be worn out before February 14!

Friday, January 14, 2011

Dinner with Daddy

Tonight Mark decided to reward us for surviving such a tough three day week by taking us out for dinner. When asked where they wanted to go, both girls chimed in with "Repitos!"-that's actually Pepitos, our favorite Mexican restaurant. Ellie and Sadie Kate usually split a chicken and cheese quesadilla, but tonight Ellie was feeling more like chicken fingers, so each girl got her own entree. Ellie devoured her chicken fingers and Sadie Kate devoured Mark's rice. I don't know that there was one grain of rice left on either plate..."it's my pavorite" Sadie Kate kept saying. Oh how I love easy to please children!!!

Monday, January 10, 2011

Snow Day...kind of



Today was our snow day...without snow. We did get an inch or two of ice all over our yard, which was a huge disappointment after expecting 4-6 inches of snow. The girls made the most of it by bundling up with their new gloves and hats and heading outside. In no time, they were kicking ice off of the slide and making ice balls to throw at Daddy. Ellie even grabbed a handful and started munching away, but Sadie Kate was not so sure about eating off of the ground. They only stayed outside for about 10 or 15 minutes and were easily coaxed inside to find a warm fire and hot chocolate waiting on them.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Sick Already???

Only 3 days into a new year and Mayos start dropping like flies. First, Mark goes down with strep throat and now Sadie Kate with a strep infection and inpetigo. Ellie and I are trying to keep a safe distance, but both patients like attention when they're sick. I'm hoping the Gatorade, applesauce, and popsicles (along with strong antibiotics) will have them feeling better by Thursday. If not, I'll have to resort to Dora bandaids...those cure everything!!

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Time for Bed

I love, love, love this picture. Sadie Kate took her new book into Ellie's room and asked her to read it before bedtime. Ellie told her to "hop in" then proceeded to "read" the book, asking Sadie Kate questions as she went. I am so thankful for these moments and these little girls.