Let's Pray

EV sometimes says really random things and one of those things is "Let's Pray."  She'll be playing with her puzzle, then stop look at us and say, "Let's Pray" or she'll be eating her food and in the middle of a bite she'll look up and say "Let's Pray."  In those moments, we stop everything and we lift up a prayer.  When she was really little, we use to have family prayer time where we would gather in the living room and each take turns praying.  Unfortunately, we weren't very consistent and eventually family prayer time turned to occasional prayers to nonexistent.  Thankfully we have a very systematic child that likes consistency.  First, it was every time the three of us were in the living room, she would say, "Let's Pray" then it was just anytime the three of us would be gathered.  So, a lesson we have been trying to teach EV has become a lesson to us.  As we try to teach EV the importance of prayer, she's teaching us the importance of maintaining it.  I love this kid and I love how God teaches us so many lessons through her!

YMCA

We recently signed EV up for gymnastics and swim lessons.  And now she cannot stop talking about it.  She gets super excited when we drive into the parking lot of the Y and she is constantly practicing all her "moves" at home.  What I love about it is that it's a great outlet for all her energy, it teaches her how to work with other kids, and it teaches her about following instructions.

Yes--that is the look of fear on her face but she loves her teacher and will do anything she tells her to do

Learning to blow bubbles when your mouth is in the water

This little girl trusts her teacher but not her momma--the moment she gets transferred to me, she starts freaking out

Practicing jumping into the water

By the end of the lesson, she was swimming with a float on her back, two noodles, and NO assistance from mom or the teacher

Way to go EV!!

Up the Mountain!

Last weekend, we went up to Dillard, Georgia for my dad's birthday.  EV loved looking at the mountain and although we didn't get to stop by Tallulah Gorge we still had a nice time driving up and having lunch at the Dillard House.  So ever since last week, EV has kept on asking, "Go up the mountain?  Halbi's birthday?  Go up the mountain and take pictures?"  So, we decided to take her to Stone Mountain.  Oh boy--Evangeline, you are one of the most strong-willed child I have ever met.  You insisted on walking all the way up even though half-way through your ankles were shaky and every step would make you fall on your behind.  You walked about 2/3's the way until we decided that enough was enough.  You just kept screaming, "No, EV do it, EV walk, put me down!"  So, after making it most of the way up, we decided it was time to go down and daddy had to force you into the ergo, just so that you can't wiggle yourself out of his hold.  I was worried your little legs would be so sore this morning, but you woke up without any complaints and was ready to conquer another day!

You always cover your ears when you hear a train coming--what an awesome treat, a mountain and train all in one day!

Here you are ready to conquer this mountain!

Taking a little break from the sun and stretching...

Here we go--it was like a mini-rock climbing session for her.  And she loved it!

It's all about the placement of your foot!

Yes--look at me, I am walking all the way up this mountain!!

Even though towards the end her ankles were shaky and her legs were wobbling, she still had a huge smile on her face.

Oh, and don't forget the pine straws and rocks she had to collect along the way.  One for each family member and friend.

Ahhhh--finally, just enjoying the view...

Family picture time!

This cracker is the best cracker ever--especially after an hour long hike up the mountain!

Two years old

As I was having dinner with EV today and having a conversation about her birthday, it made me want to slow down time even more.  EV has been talking about her party non-stop the last few weeks and even more now that it has passed.  She loves singing happy birthday to herself and talking about all of her friends and blowing out the candles on her cake.  I am just amazed that I can actually sit down and have a conversation with her.

So, if you read Jimmy's blog (http://jimmyhkim.wordpress.com/) he talks about how we stayed up late to work on all the details of EV's party.  It's amazing how a simple website like Pinterest can make such a huge difference with planning and it makes you wonder how you lived without it before.  So, here's a brief recap of all that was handmade and the link of the tutorial (if there is one) for EV's "dairy' themed party:

EV's dress (http://www.mesewcrazy.com/2011/01/spring-fever-dress.html)

Party banner (http://www.sassybabiesblog.com/2012/01/guest-post-banners.html)
Letter E (not a great view from this pic--http://andeverythingsweet.blogspot.com/2012/01/feather-her-nest.html)

Fabric covered water bottles (my own idea)

Props for photo booth (includes top hats, glasses, mustaches, etc--didn't get a picture of the bucket)

Cupcakes (http://keepingupwiththekunzs.blogspot.com/2011/01/what-to-do-what-to-do.html)

Cheesecake balls (http://www.bakerella.com/cheesecake-pops/)
Strawberry stuffed cheesecake (http://www.thesweetslife.com/2011/08/cheesecake-stuffed-strawberries.html)
Mac and Cheese balls (Jimmy's recipe)
Chicken salad croissants (Jimmy's recipe)
Cheese Fondue
Yogurt Bar

Milk (chocolate and 2%)

(Not pictured:  EV's photobook (made by Apple) and party favors (puzzles of a farm--mostly))

I think that's it--we had a lot of fun celebrating with EV's friends.  We are so blessed to have so many friends and family that love us and want to celebrate with us.  Evangeline, you have this amazing ability to brighten up our day and put a smile on our faces.  You make us laugh and you know you are funny.  You love being around people and you are already such a compassionate person.  You can't stand to see others crying or being sad.  You are stubborn and persistent, but at the same time loving and gentle.  We love you so so so so much!  I look forward to every new memory and new encounters.  I can't believe you are 2 years old!!

Birthday preparations

Now that we are less than 2 weeks away from EV's birthday, I am on full birthday preparation mode.  This year, we have decided to keep it fairly small, which is sooo hard for me to do because I love having parties and inviting the whole world.  The hardest decision was who to invite but we decided that in order to keep it small, it would make the most sense to invite EV's friends and family.  NOT, mommy and daddy and grandma and grandpa's friends and associates. 

The theme to this year's birthday is "dairy" to celebrate EV's love of all things diary (milk, cheese, yogurt).  If you ask EV what she wants to eat, she often ends her list with, "...and cheese, too!"  Jimmy made the cutest invitation--I love the simplicity and the country feel to it. 

I also love how we incorpated the fabric we will use for the party into the invitation.  I bought a bundle of fabric appropriately called "Urban Cowgirl." 

Since being sick all weekend, I still have EV's birthday dress, fabric banner, and other little projects that need to get done for the decorations.  I am also planning on making all the food and desserts at home, aside from the birthday cheesecake.  I am so thankful for Pinterest.  It has been such a useful tool in organizing and developing all my thoughts, ideas, and plans.  I just have to remember that it's not about perfection but quality time and memories.  I can't wait to post the final products!!

La, la, la

Lately, EV has really been into singing, especially singing songs with hand motions.  Her current favorite songs, that she knows some or most of the words include "The Wheels on the Bus," "The Itsy Bitsy Spider," and "Happy Birthday."  So, this was an extra special weekend since we went to a birthday party AND an opera performance of Rabbit Tales.

A co-worker friend's daughter was the lead duck in the opera performance, so I wanted to go to support her and to get EV exposed to some fun opera.  I did have my doubts; I was worried about EV being able to sit through an hour long performance and even more worried about my ability to sit through an opera performance.  The good news is that the performance was a lot of fun (for both EV and myself).  I was so proud of Evangeline--EV you spent the first 2-3 songs on my lap, but then you were wanting to join in on the fun.  You wanted to sit on the stairs, sing, and dance along.  Thankfully, the performance had interactive parts, and the theater was full of other kids (although it seemed that most of them stayed seated throughout the performance).  So, I did want any desperate parent would do, I bribed you with your favorite snacks if you stayed quiet.  You are such a funny kid though, every time I tried to tell you to stop singing or dancing, you would put your finger up to your mouth and say "Shhhhhhh", then you would proceed to say, "Duck, sing!! La, la, laaaaa!" "Lion, Rrrawr!!  Sing, Lalalaaaa!"  Then you would look at me and say, "shhhhhhhh."  There was a part of me that was holding back laughter and another part that was so desperately trying to get you to sit down and stay quiet.  All in all, it was a good experience.  You couldn't stop talking about it all the way up till bedtime, all you could talk about was the duck, lion, rabbit, and fox.  You couldn't stop singing and dancing.  I guess we should go to the opera more often! (Note to self:  try to get a video of EV singing, dancing, and doing hand motions).

Over the hills and through the woods, to grandmother's house we go!

I have been challenged since the New Year to spend more quality time with my family, especially with EV.  So last week, I started working an alternative work schedule where I front load my hours, so that I can take every other Friday off.  I don't know why I didn't do this earlier, I work overtime most days, and it's nice to have an extra day with the family. 

Last weekend, EV and I went to Jimmy's parent's house without Jimmy for the first time.  Although EV has flown many times before, this was her first flight where she had her own seat.  She was so excited about having her own seat that she didn't care if I fell asleep on the flight.  She was living it up--she had her "kiki" (stuffed monkey), her blanket, books, stickers, flash cards, snack, and juice (which she gets only on special occasions).  When I woke up, she had taken off her shoes and socks, was covered in stickers, and bent her flash cards to make little teepees.  She had the biggest smile on her face and was so proud of herself.  Although we had both been up since 4:00am on the flight up and back down, she was in good spirits and was well-behaved for most of the trip.  She also had a really good time with grandma, grandpa, and uncle Tom.  She even got to see her great grandmother.  Although the trip was short, you can't put a price on quality time.  Next time, we'll be sure to bring pappa bear and to make it a longer trip.

Not only did I have last Friday off, but Monday was a holiday.  So, we went to the aquariaum (we have totally made our season pass worth the money) and watched the dolphin show.  Although the dolphin show was seriously over the top, it was so priceless to see EV's jaw drop when the dolphins starting jumping out of the water twisiting, flipping, and dancing.  She clutched onto Jimmy's arm because there was a part of her that was so scared, but at the same time she couldn't keep her eyes off the water tank.  I wish we were allowed to take pictures, her facial expression was priceless.

I am really looking forward to more time with my family, developing a stronger bond with EV, and being there for the little things.