Behavior Bucket

We started a Behavior Bucket for Elizabeth.  Every time we "catch" her being extra sweet to her sister or doing what she's told when you can tell she really wants to throw a fit or whatever good things we catch her doing, she gets to put a pebble in her bucket.  It has to be extra good.  But sometimes if she's starting the day off rough, I'll find any decent behavior to reward her for and it's amazing how her whole attitude will change.  I'm finding it's much more effective than just focusing on disciplining the negative behavior (we still do that too though:)).  

Anyway, it took her almost 6 weeks to completely fill the bucket.  She was so proud of herself.  So we took a trip to the Disney store for her to pick out a treat.  You would have thought we took her to Disney World when we walked in the store.  She was in awe. I realized she's never been in there because I avoid the mall like the plague.  Out of everything in that store, she chose a Rupunzel braid (which I'm pretty sure they sell at Target for $5 cheaper).  But it was worth the trip. 

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Spring has Sprung Celebration

On Saturday we celebrated Reese's 1st birthday!  It was a beautiful day and perfect party!!

Watching Reese reminded me so much of Caroline smashing her cake on her first birthday.  How has another year passed so quickly?!

Elizabeth was really into the crafts.

Caroline might be a mama's girl, but she loves her daddy too!

We tried to get a picture after everyone else had left.  That's always an event in iteself.

Reese is always personality plus.  She looks just like her beautiful mama!



I love that our little ones' birthday parties give us a great reason to get our families together.  I am so blessed by these two!



Score!

Last Saturday Elizabeth scored her first goal on the soccer field!  She was so proud of herself, it showed all over her face!

She looks so serious here.

Elizabeth loves that her daddy helps coach.

Caroline hardly gets out of my lap at soccer games (or anywhere else for that matter).  But she was happy to sit beside me and play in the grass.

She stood like this for quite a while watching her big sister play.

At one point, another girl took the ball away from her and she stopped stone cold and looked at me like this.  I couldn't help but laugh!

When she realized I wasn't offering much sympathy, she turned to her daddy.

One proud little soccer player.

Barnyard Bash

Last Saturday we went to the most fun and unique birthday party.  It was a Barnyard Bash at The Art Barn in Canton.  Both Elizabeth and Caroline got to go, and both had a blast!

Elizabeth and Camille, the birthday girl

Faith and Elizabeth

Caroline was slow to warm up, but once she did she was really into all of the animals

This kinda grossed me out, but it was still sweet.

Grossed out again, but I was supportive and took the picture:)

This part was so cute.  They all painted pigs following the instructions of Farmer Sue.  It was the kid version of "Sip-n-Strokes."  Except they "sipped" on juicy juice instead of wine.

The barn cake and animal cupcakes were adorable.

We will definitley be having one of Caorline's birthday here.  Not for another year or two though.  Poor Elizabeth's birthday is in the coldest month of the year so no barnyard bash for her. Oh well.  She had fun celebrating with her sweet friend.

He is Risen!

We woke the girls up extra early this morning.  We went to the early service so we could go to Nannie and Papa Ray's for lunch.  The girls weren't lovin the early wake-up call until they saw their baskets!

Caroline was especially giddy this morning!

My sleepy-headed bunnies. 

Once they were dressed, I tried to get a picture of them together.  No luck!

Attempt #1



Attempt #2... at least no one is crying here



Caroline is starting to give me her "fake" smile a lot.  Or she'll say cheese without looking anywhere near me.

We also attempted a timed family photo.  These always make me laugh:)))

The girls had so much fun spending the afternoon in the country with their cousins.  Elizabeth and I had some fun on the 4-wheeler!

Elizabeth learned during the children's message today about how to greet people on Easter.  She kept repeating, "He is risen.  He is risen indeed!"  I hope it sounded as sweet to Jesus's ears as it did to mine!!

Fun Week at School

Prom season is in full swing and I just love hearing how the guys ask the girls.  I love it even more when they ask for my help! One of my students hid in this box and when his date came in, he popped out holding flowers and asked her to prom.  It was so cute, especially since about 40 people piled in my room to watch it happen and cheer for them!

  Another one of my students brought in a griddle to make pancakes for her class as a "pleasant suprise."  She had blueberries and chocolate chips and whip cream.  Even orange juice!   
Then today, I took a group of the coolest kids ever on a field trip to WinShape Wilderness at Berry College.  I have the best job ever!  

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I can't believe that...

1) My girls are still able to wear their Easter dresses from last year.  That's never happened for both of them at the same time!

2) My sweet Caroline is getting a little sassy these days!  I don't think I have to worry about her big sister picking on her anymore!

3) And my little girl really can do the stairs all by herself.  Why do my babies have to grow up?!?!