Back to School 2015 - KINDERGARTEN and 2nd Grade here they come!

I am rolling back my blog to August 5th 2015, the first day of school, Mallory and Cale's first day of Kindergarten and Maggie and Caden's first day of 2nd grade!

It's here the first day of school, I think momma is more nervous than the kids!  Although Maggie is very nervous it is more so about the change in friends in her class and that 2nd grade you do more on your own.  We have our supplies there, Cale got a MAJOR haircut, our back packs are ready, we know we are riding the bus from home and to daycare, and there was nothing left to do but go!

So off they went, not without the pictures mom had to take of course, this is just a small piece of what I actually have.  Everyone picked their own outfits out and had the nerves and excitement that comes with anything new.

We are blessed once again with amazing teachers.  Cale and Mallory have Mrs. Chipman and are part of the Monkeys class.  Maggie has Mrs. Marshall who is awesome and like family to us. Caden has Mr. Seymour who he actually wanted in 1st grade and cannot wait to wear his Purdue gear to school because Mr. Seymore went to IU!

In the end, Mallory and Cale are ready, I am not. I am not ready to let go of the innocent babies they are to me.  I know now that this is the year of independence because they learn so much during this year of Kindergarten.  Things change, they won't need me as much anymore and that makes me sad.  They are growing up and becoming their own people, who are pretty amazing if you ask me.

I held it together, until I left them in their classroom which I didn't want to do.  I know they are in great hands but they are my last two to go to Kindergarten so it was a big step for me.  I did take the day off and did what I wanted when Caden and Maggie went to Kindergarten, enjoyed a lunch with my hubby and then a nap then picked them up to see the excitement of the day from them all.

It was a great day and they are doing awesome in school.  We are all learning so much and each day is something new but that's okay because that is what we do - we learn and grow.

To my babies, I am so proud of you all.  

Each one of you is your own being and making your way into who you will become.  

To their teachers, thank you for taking care of them and helping them to write the pages of their lives!  Here's to the school year 2015-2016!

Excited and ready!

Our little Monkeys

Mallory Lynne

Maggie Lynne

Cale Joseph

Caden Joseph

Mallory and Brooklyn - her new friend!

Accomplishing her dreams and goals!

 I am a proud pageant momma, proud that my girl Maggie has set some big dreams and is working hard to make them come true.  On September 26th she was crowned Little Miss Hoosier High and is so excited to win her first title!  We are thrilled to be a part of the White Rive Pageant Productions family.  Miss Carrie is a wonderful director and is so patient and caring with all of the girls.

We started pageant life when she was 4 years old, she has wanted to win and has worked hard.  She placed top 15 in NAM this past summer when moving up in age and I was so excited, but immediately she started talking about what she needed to do to WIN that crown!  She is my driven and passionate little one.  She has big dreams and goals, I will always support these dreams and goals and have told her so.  I do have glitter in my suitcase and will be sparkling while working this week!

Many ask if the pageants we do are like what they have seen on Toddlers and Tiaras, um NO, we work on poise, confidence and speaking skills. That my friends is only one side of pageantry, we do not do glitz as I want her to look her age and we want to meet friends, not make competitors out of folks.  Maggie has grown so much in these 4 years and her confidence has too.  I have learned a ton as well!

I am proud of her and super proud that her dreams and goals keep growing.  We will see where her pageant dreams take her, they are big dreams, really big dreams!  We are so grateful for all who have helped and supported her along the way, watch her grow, she isn't done yet!

Maggie Lynne, I hope you never give up on your dreams and goals.  I will always support you and help you along the way in all that you do.  Keep reaching for the stars (or tiaras) and know that no matter what we are proud of you!

After being crowned!  She is so excited

Making new friends, like she always does!

Spirit wear - hence my glitter suitcase!

Ready to call it a night! 

riding in the Farmer's Fair Parade!

Top 15 NAM 2015 and Photogenic Winner!

NAM 2014 - where she wanted to try talent and did!

Casual wear competition 2013.  She won Photogenic!

Ready for interviews at Nationals 2013 

After her first pageant in 2012 - there were tears and goals set!

Celebrating 13 years of marriage!

Tomorrow, October 12th, will be the day Matt and I celebrate 13 amazing years of marriage.  WOW so much has happened in our lives in 13 years yet I can remember our wedding day like it was yesterday.

When I think about where Matt and I started in our lives and where we have come I am amazed. There are so many memories, outings, heartbreak and joys.  We never envisioned two sets of twins but then again we know we do not know the plan for us but I must say we have managed it pretty well thus far. Even when do not understand what is happening and why we have made it through and each day we get stronger.

It's hard work, but it is worth it because there is not anyone else I would rather be on this journey with, it's our story and we will keep adding pages and chapters for many more years.

I am so grateful for the great father he is and the support to my crazy ways!  He is there to make me laugh when I really want to be mad or sad and he is a trooper to the outings I plan for the 6 of us.

I am sitting here in my hotel room sad that we are not together to celebrate, I only know of one other time when we were apart on our anniversary but I at least made it home before midnight that time, I won't be so lucky this time.  It's 13 years, so many lessons in life and so much change.  Here is a few photos over the years!

To each and everyone of our family and friends, we are ever grateful for your unconditional love and support.  You all have been a huge part of our story and we are blessed to have had you along for our journey!

Matthew, I love you - here's to many more years of memories, laughter and growing old together!

Our wedding day!

Caden and Maggie's 1st dirt track race

Our first family photo as a family of 6!

SO many Bengals Games together!

We do clean up nice

Family of four!

Almost a family of  6 celebrating Adam & Haley's wedding!

Halloween

One of our many road trips driving 16+ hours straight! 

He holds sleeping kids at Indy!

Can paint toes like no other! 

Blessed we got to go to Italy together!