December is Here

Yesterday, Jackson said, "I'm so glad it's finally December so we can celebrate Jesus's birthday!"

Oh, my heart.

And we just had to ring in December 1st with hot chocolate!

 

Life Lately

Life lately has been full...in the most wonderful way possible.

We've cheered our little drum major on at marching band competitions,

and we've walked her down the football field on Senior Night.

Bryan and I did a trunk for Trunk-or-Treat at our church...while matching!

We've had cozy date nights outside.

And we've cooked together

for cozy date nights inside.

I've soaked up my precious babies.

I've done some Christmas shopping with my happy helper!

And we've all just really enjoyed being together.

Thanksgiving

We had a sweet and simple Thanksgiving.  And although this year has been super rough, we are still so, so thankful!

Holidays always cause me to reminisce and look at old pictures.  This was from our first Thanksgiving at this house, 5 years ago.  You can barely see Jackson because he is so little!  And this year, he's past my shoulders!  And sweet Sarah hasn't grown in about 8 years, bless her heart, so she's still the same height!  As much as it makes me sad watching them get older, and in J's case, taller, I am so grateful that I have a front row seat for all of it!

Homecoming

Last Friday, we went to our first football game of the season.  It was Homecoming, and our Sarah Bear was one of the homecoming queen nominees!

The band walking into the stadium...with Sarah looking very fancy!

This game was the first one Bryan wore a tie to!

During halftime, they presented the nominees.

These two walking arm in arm down the field...I had tears in my eyes!

The way she's looking at him!

I cannot.

Sarah didn't win, but I'm pretty sure none of us will ever forget this night.

She may be all grown up, but she will always be his little princess.

After the game, the band performed their show, and we got to see Sarah in action!

It was so fun watching her conduct!

She was amazing!

We are so proud of her!

Accepted!

Late Tuesday night, Sarah found out that she was accepted to UT!  She was so excited, and we are so proud of her!

But even though Bryan's proud, there's already been some trash talk!

 I made her favorite dinner and one of her favorite desserts to celebrate!

College Application

This picture is the exact moment Sarah submitted her first college application!  It was a long one, and she's been working on it for the past few weeks to get it just right and in for early acceptance.  She did such an amazing job on it, and we are so excited for her!

Glasses for Jackson

A couple of weeks ago on the way home from school, Jackson told me that he was having trouble seeing in some of his classes.  That afternoon, I made him an appointment with the Optometrist for the next day.  On Monday, they called to tell us that his glasses were ready.  He was pretty excited!

I.  Cannot.

He's even cuter than he was before.  Also, he looks 20.

 

19 Years!

Last Saturday marked 19 years that Bryan and I have been together.  I really can't believe it's been that long!  I am so grateful for the life that we've created together.

Before we left Saturday evening to go out on a date to celebrate, Sarah took our picture...and I think Diamond wanted to be in it too!

Date with Jackson

One of my favorite things in the whole world is going on dates with my babies.

Jackson picked Tuesday to be our date days, so now, Tuesday is my favorite day of the week!

 We had a great time and even got into an argument on who loves who more!  He's the best!

First Day of School Treat

One of my favorite traditions is the first day of school treat...because while we eat them, Bryan and I get to hear all about their first day!

Jackson:
It was pretty boring but also fun!
We did no work really.
Apparently I was on the wrong class at the beginning, but after a minute, I realized what class I was supposed to be in!
My teacher is nice!
All of my teachers are the chill type.
It was sad because we didn’t do science at all, but that’s already my favorite class.
My lunch was good
The recess area looks nicer this year.
Mrs. Knotts, (his kindergarten teacher, now his science teacher), gave me a hug!
Mrs. Scott yells—not to be mean, just so people can hear her.
You need to look at my agenda, and read everything, but not writing, because it’s not important.
We have a spelling test on Friday, and apparently there are 2 surprise words that you can’t prepare for.
It was definitely weird being back at school!

Sarah:
It was good.
I feel pretty confident about Economics .  Mr. Beene is super cool and curves the test.
I love my Biology teacher, and she said “we’re not doing anything because today is weird.”
My Algebra teacher is crazy, and I knew he was an odd bird, but I didn’t know he was that crazy.  But I love him!  And the class seems so easy!
It was pretty uneventful.
I missed Diamond like crazy!

First Day Then and Now

Sarah's first day of kindergarten.

 Sarah's first day of 12th grade.

I can't believe she's already in her senior year of high school!  I have absolutely loved having a front row seat to all of it though.  I'm so proud of the person she's become.

First Day of School!

Today was the kids' first day of school!  It's also the first time they've left for school in 5 months!

It's Sarah's first day of 12th grade!

I don't know how it's her senior year!

She's already had a scholarship interview, she's starting to apply to colleges, and she wants to be a journalist.

And it's this guy's first day of 5th grade!

I can't believe he's as old as he is either!

He wants to be an anesthesiologist--just like his Dad!--when he grows up!

 These two are my heart, and I pray that have a great first day and a wonderful year!