Payton's Baptism...

Well, Happy New Year! It is so hard to believe that it is 2013 and yet another year has passed by...where does the time go? We had a wonderful Christmas this year, I just love the time with all my kids at home just hanging out and being together. This year was even more special because Payton was baptized just a few days after Christmas. It was such a wonderful day! Back in August before school started, we went out and took some special pictures of her in her baptism dress...I am so glad we did! This little girl just shines inside and out and we are so blessed to have her in our family. She is full of so much sweetness and spunk and we just couldn't live without her. I am so proud of the decision she made to get baptized...she is such a good example to her little sisters and brother! xoxoxo

For those of you who aren't of my faith, you may wonder why children aren't baptized until the age of 8...you can read a short and simple explanation here, but basically we are taught that by the age of 8 children can understand the difference between right and wrong. Payton was very lucky to have her daddy baptize and confirm her as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. :)

It was a very emotional and wonderful day, and in the days leading up to her baptism and after, we've been able to have many special talks and moments with her. As the cliche goes, I just can't believe that she is already 8 years old and has reached this very special milestone in her little life! I hope she always remembers how happy she felt on this day. :)

After her baptism we had our families over for dinner and dessert, and we showed this little slideshow that we put together for Payton...it still makes me tear up watching it, heehee! We love our girl, Happy 8th Birthday, Payton and Congratulations!!! xoxox

think...

Since I haven't blogged in so long I figured I needed to post something...and since I took all these cute pictures of Payton in her musical theatre costume yesterday, I thought "perfect!" So here ya go!

Payton has looooved dancing this year. I think she really caught the bug after her first competition and she started to see what this was all about....being on stage is so much more than just being in the classroom setting, and she loves it! Part of me still can't believe that I have a daughter old enough to be in the dance world, and so many memories have come flooding back to me in the past few months as she's been performing. It's been fun and I'm proud of her and for the time being she's loving it, so that's all that matters, right? (Oh, and just a sidenote...for this number, they are kids in detention. She loved acting out her part and was so cute onstage!) Things have been so so busy this past month...I've found myself getting back to taking pictures again, and then we've been busy with dance competitions, rehearsals and everything else that comes at this time of year. Out little Crewie turned 1 almost 2 weeks ago, and yes, I still need to blog about that!! I wish I could keep up with it all! I am at that point that I am just so ready for the fun and relaxtion of summer...it'll be nice to have no schedule and just hang out and play. Only 1 more month, right??? (hee hee)


 

the simple things

Popping in for another "simple things" photo from this past week.

We had a (late) birthday party for Payton with her friends, and she was so happy and excited for her party! It really is the simple things like friends, some decorations and a cake that can make a day super special for a 7 year old.

Payton makes me so proud to be her mama. She is growing up before my eyes, and just this week she displayed an act of kindness and understanding that showed me what wonderful potential she has. Love you, gorgeous...inside and out.

payton is 7!!!

Today was Payton's 7th birthday...seven!!! I can't even believe I've been a mom for that long and that this gorgeous little girl is growing up before my eyes. She is our "first" for everything that comes along with children...and she makes learning the ropes of parenthood pretty darn easy and fun! (for the most part...heehee.) We couldn't have been blessed with a more amazing daughter...Payton brightens up our lives in every possible way. From her sensitive heart to her spunky spirit, she just pretty much rocks. We love her oh, so much!!!

We had a little family party for her at home today and she made "Beliebers" out of all of us! Heehee!!!

If you read my blog at all you know I hate making cakes...it isn't the baking part it's the decorating part...I have no idea how to do it! But my husband informed me that Payton had to have a cake for her party and NOT cupcakes, so this was the best I could do! For a simple little cake I thought it turned out pretty cute and Payton thought it was hilairious...she did a lot of giggling today!

I perfectly remember when Payton came into our lives seven years ago...she was due on Christmas day and I was determined NOT to have a Christmas baby so we were very happy when she came a week early! I just remember being in total heaven that first Christmas with my new baby girl...we have come a long way since then, but in the same breath, she will always be my baby.

Love you love you love you, Paytie-Poo!! Happy 7th Birthday!!!!

xoxoxxo

hello, school.

Well, here we go again!

The girls both had their first day of school yesterday and they couldn't have been more excited. They had their outfits all picked out by Wednesday morning, and they had been counting down the days till school started for over a week. So needless to say, they were ready to go!!

I can't believe Payton is in grade 2 already! She lost her other front tooth the night before school started, and I think she just look so cute with those missing teeth in her smile! Losing baby teeth is kind of momentous, ya know? She's always been my little girl, but looking at these photos now, she seems all grown up. It's scary how quickly time goes by!

I popped into her classroom with her quickly, but she didn't need me at all...she was so excited to back with her friends. I was so proud of her!!!

And my little Gabby started kindergarten!!! She has been waiting for this day for such a long time!

She was soooo cute in her class and I am beyond thrilled with her teacher and classmates. She was a little apprehensive at first, but once they got to "playing", she was good to go! A little peek at some of their activities...

Gabby just melts my heart! Again, I was just so proud of her and excited for her...the house will feel very empty on weekday mornings with her away...she is usually attached to me, so this year will be an adjustment for us both. :)

Oh, and let's not forget about KK...

She thought she was going to school, too. (wink)

All in all, it was a great day and the girls are happy, so I'm happy. Here's to yet another school year!!!

Tal :)

(And with it being the beginning of another year, I just thought I'd share this post again on how I organize my kids school and artwork throughout the year...I love this system, it works great for me!!)