Christmas Greetings

I just stamped the last of the Christmas cards and put them in the mail. Nothing like getting them out the week of Christmas. Unfortunately, I missed my own deadline for the Christmas letter. Yikes! Actually, let's call a spade a spade, I'm just happy that our cards with Christmas greetings will arrive in everyone's mailboxes before Christmas :-). Perhaps a few trees were saved along the way also. How's that for looking at the merry and bright side of things?!

So, if I would have made the deadline, here's what a wrap up on 2011 at the Antholz household might have looked like...

This year there have been a lot of firsts for our first born babe, Emerson Jules. She lost her first tooth, started Kindergarten at a new school and turned six this year. She loves school, her new friends and classmates and her teacher Mrs. Penner. She is reading and writing sentences and talking about math equations. She insists on doing her own hair and putting together her own clothes (i.e. this mama is not always responsible for the awesomeness that is “Emme’s style”). She competed on swim team this summer and played on YMCA T-ball and soccer teams. Her dad and sisters would tell you that she definitely fancies herself “Mom 2” and second in command, as she knows the rules and isn’t afraid to follow them (99 percent of the time) or enforce them.

I read recently that “some girls are just born with glitter in their veins.” Our middle little, Miss Sutton Grace, is so that girl! As of November 3, she is officially a four-year-old princess loving, almost-every-day costume wearing, macaroni and cheese and candy loving girly girl who dances, saches and twirls at her own pace and marches to the beat of her own drummer. She played on a league soccer team this summer, loves dance class, tumbling and could take or leave swimming lessons (mostly leave, but swim is one of her mommy and daddy’s non-negotiables). She stays busy playing “school” and “college girls” with her big sister. Yes, you read that correctly—“college girls.” It mostly consists of Sutton doing her “sassy walk.” Seriously?! When asked what the best part of 2011 was she matter-of-factly replied: being a Frog (the name of her preschool class), playing at the park with her family, and Eastyn spitting up on her. Did I mention that she fancies herself a comedian and an entertainer also?!?

The littlest of the littles, Eastyn Kate, turned 1 on 11/11/11. How’s that for a birth date?! Eastyn is busy—busier than I remember the other two girlies being at one! She is into everything, and one of her favorite games is heading to the stairs where she starts to climb slowly… she waits for someone to notice and then takes off up the stairs at lightning speed giggling until she gets caught. She is the “runt” of the family… at one she was in the 75th percentile for height, the 60th percentile for weight and her head was in the 25th percentile. To date, she is the blondest of our blondies. She is easy-going and oh, so happy. Miss Eastyn is not walking yet, however, we’re convinced it’s because she never has the opportunity as her two older sisters (and maybe her mom and dad) are quick to carry her wherever she needs to go.

As for Travis and I, we continue to be blessed to go to work and do what we love with people we respect and admire every day. We work hard, but also play hard. I completed my first half-marathon six short months after Miss Eastyn arrived, which may not seem like such a feat until I tell you that I probably hadn’t used my running shoes (for running anyway) since before Sutton was born! This year we surprised the big girls with a trip to Disney World. I can't imagine that Travis ever envisioned his first trip to Disney World almost completely focused on princess character meals, princess make-overs at Bibbity Bobbity Boutique or waiting in line almost 3 hours for 7 minutes with Rapunzel. The girls, however, wouldn't have done it any other way thus their daddy wouldn't have had it any other way! Eastyn had her own version of Disney World that week, as "an only" for an entire week with Grandma and Papa. We also managed to squeeze in trips home to Kansas and South Dakota as well as a fun, fun weekend with old friends when the Huskers played in Minnesota. Travis was also able to make all of his annual hunting and fishing trips as well as a trip to Wisconsin with Papa for the Huskers first Big Ten away game.

This holiday season and always, we are grateful for family who make it possible for us to continue to do what we love (i.e. grandparents who help with the logistics of managing a house filled with three busy girlies when one of us is traveling for business or for fun), wonderful daycare providers and teachers, amazing friends near and far, good neighbors, good health, happy kiddos and all of the other blessings in our lives.

All best wishes to you and yours for a very Merry Christmas and wonderful New Year!

Travis, Amber, Emerson Jules (6), Sutton Grace (4) and Eastyn Kate (1)

Sutty's Big Day!

Today we celebrate our middle little… Miss Sutton Grace. The one who bounced into our room at 5:30 a.m. this morning and proclaimed, "Today's my birthday!" The one who requested a “Barbie Princess Charm School” cookie cake for her family party. The one who has a flair for the dramatic. The one who wore four Halloween costumes this year—not one of which was the new costume that she chose when her grandmother so graciously offered to get her whatever costume she wanted for Halloween this year. The one who asks daily when she can start music lessons—any type of music lesson: piano, violin, guitar, etc. The one who when asked what she’d like for dinner, always gives the same answer—macaroni and cheese. The one who, on the eve of her fourth birthday, shared that the best things about being three were: being a Frog, playing at the park with her family and Eastyn spitting up on her :-). The messy one. The one who it seems changes her outfit every time you turn around. The one whose current pretend play of choice with her big sister is school or college girls. The one who loves to "shake her booty." The one who sings and dances her way through most days. The one who literally jumped for joy and squealed with excitement when she unwrapped her Tinkerbelle dress on her birthday. The one who makes us laugh and shake our heads multiple times a day. The one who says "Oh, fine" more often than not with a smile on her face and lets her big sister have her way. The one who, like her daddy, lives by the mantra "Go big or Go home!"

Happy Birthday to our middle little, Sutton Grace. We can't wait to see watch you navigate, help to guide you through and see the "best parts of being four" through your eyes. Love you. Proud of you.

PS - Since our computer where all Sutty's previous birthday pictures are stored was not charged this morning when I started this post, the photo below (first day as a Frog picture) represents one of Sutty's "best of being three-years-old." Sutty's birthday pictures to come!

Counting Down...

It’s likely that most other families are coming down off the Halloween high this week, not this family. We are riding that Halloween high straight into November birthday celebrations! Our first Scorpio babe, Sutton Grace, will officially put another year behind her tomorrow morning.

Sutty is in full count down mode and cannot contain her enthusiasm. The first words out of her mouth this morning, “I’m so excited… tomorrow is my birthday!” She proceeded to (very dramatically) preface EVERYthing that she did this morning with “this is the last time that I will (fill in the blank) as a three-year-old.” This is the last time that I will get dressed in the morning as a three-year-old… This is the last time that I will eat breakfast as a three-year-old… This is the last time that you will brush my hair before school as a three-year-old… Seriously. I could go on, but I think you get the picture

With all that being said, this is the last time that I will write a blog post as the mother of a three-year-old Sutton Grace.

Sutty's last plate of spaghetti as a three-year-old :-)

Too much fun

I happened upon a wonderful photographer when I was looking for someone to take Miss Eastyn's newborn pictures last fall. To say that she is talented and amazing and good with kiddos (or a kiddo i.e. Emme) who don't love to have their pictures taken is an understatement. Not too mention the fact that she simply possesses this "cool" factor.

This is the second time she's shot our girlies, and I definitely hope this isn't the last time. The girls were giggly, silly and even a little giddy. They were for the most part well-behaved. However, the silly did take over every now and again. You know the silly that can make you cringe just a bit as a parent.

I opened up facebook this morning and Miss Sarah Ulrich of Uniquely You Photography endeared herself to me for life. Her post was at the top of my news feed. I love the fact that she saw and captured the "too much fun!"

"There's never such a thing as too much fun! This makes my heart sing. ♥"

Happy Halloween

We've been Halloween-ing since the girls' costume birthday party on October 14, and tonight it will (finally) commence with trick-or-treating!

Sutton wore a different costume to each of our Halloween soirees. She went as Snow White to their costume birthday party, Cinderella to Night at the Boo-seum, and a ballerina in her tutu and tights to Hillcrest's Halloween party. It's anyone's guess what/ who she will decide to dress up as this evening?! I think it is safe to say that Halloween is her favorite holiday. Although it probably should be noted that Sutty NEVER needs a reason to dress up! Emme was a mermaid for the first two parties and then decided to change it up and be Princess Jasmine last night. I'd say it's also anyone's guess which costume she will choose tonight. Miss Eastyn thankfully is big enough for a costume, but not big enough yet for costume changes (although given the track record of the big girls, I know it is only a matter of time). So I can say with absolute certainty that she will be strolling in her pink poodle costume tonight.

It looks to be a beautiful evening for the finale of another successful Halloween holiday. Happy Haunting, friends!

Breakfast of Champions?!

Enough said.

Eastyn Kate

Can't believe this babe will be 1 on 11/11/11--not a golden birthday, but the fact that there is nothing but ones in her age and her birth date should have some sort of special meaning, right?

The Birthday Girl

It is our family tradition that there is a party on the morning of each of our girlies birthdays. To be on the guest list, your last name must be Antholz and you must be a resident on Sheridan Boulevard. Before anyone gets dressed, combs their hair or brushes their teeth, we gather in the kitchen surrounded by birthday balloons. We light candles. We sing Happy Birthday. We eat cookie cake for breakfast. We open family gifts.

Today we celebrate our first born baby girl. The one who requested a princess and a unicorn on this year’s cookie cake. The one who moved to her own room when she started Kindergarten, but still sleeps in her old room with her little sister because “Sutty is afraid of the dark and scared to sleep alone.” The one who’s only non-negotiable for this year’s birthday party was that it be a costume party. The one who walked out of school a couple of weeks ago, said she knew how to tie her shoes and bent down and tied them. The one who only requested one gift from her parents on her birthday—the Barbie Princess Charm School movie. The one who stole her mommy’s and daddy’s hearts six years ago and has held them captive ever since.

Happy Birthday, Emerson Jules! We can't wait to add a photo of #6 below. Love You. Proud of You.

Saying goodbye to five...

Tonight after we were done with stories and prayers, I pointed out to Emme and Sutty that tonight would be the last night that we would get to snuggle up to a five year-old Emme. Without skipping a beat Emme said, "Sutty will be five someday." I agreed and simply said, "Tonight is the last night that we get to snuggle with five year-old Emme."

Not going to lie, I'm getting a little sentimental and wondering how in the world our little tator bug could possibly be six tomorrow. So, I decided to ask Emme to share the best thing that happened while she was five. As I expected, she said she didn't know. I suggested a couple of things i.e. Disney World, etc. Nope. Do you know what Miss Emerson said? "My baby sister Eastyn being born."

I smiled, kissed Miss Emme's forehead and snuggled her a little tighter... wise beyond her years and an amazing gift to my life.

Just Emme and me

One of my new favorite times of day is from around 8:00 - 8:30 in the morning. In general, this is the time when the sprint to get the little girls ready and out the door with Travis is done, Emme is dressed, her hair is done and her shoes are on and I'm ready to go also.

It is only 30 minutes, but it is 30 minutes of uninterrupted time for my first born and me to simply be together. Just. the. two. of. us. Some days we read. Some days we snuggle on the couch and watch Martha on PBS. Some days we finish packing lunch. Some days we chat about the day before, the day to come, or something coming up. Quite frankly, I've learned that it doesn't matter what we do during that time.

This morning, on the eve of Miss Emme's 6th birthday, we talked about what happened on this day six years ago—the day before she was born. I recounted how I worked that day knowing that it would be my last day in the office for the next 12 weeks. On October 19, 2005, 12 weeks seemed like an eternity. On October 20, 2005, I realized that 12 weeks would pass more quickly than I ever could have imagined. I recounted how we left Riggs at home with Grandma Jules and went to the hospital that night at 9:00, so excited that we would be meeting our baby girl the next day. I also admitted to Emme that I was a little scared. Then I recounted to Emme how in one moment—the moment that she entered the world and we heard her cry—our world changed forever, in wonderful, amazing ways that we never could have dreamed of or anticipated.

She didn’t ask any questions. She didn’t make any comments. She smiled and then changed the subject. She was listening though. I know that today this story was mostly for me. I also know that someday Emme will be so very grateful and know that this story was always for her.

Birthday Business

So, this was finally going to be the year my two biggest littles actually got their own special parties. However, after struggling to find a venue acceptable to my soon-to-be-6-year-old that was also “costume party” friendly (costumes were a non-negotiable for Miss Emme), we opted for the Children’s Museum after hours. Awesome. Given the price (Travis, are you reading this? I do pay attention) and all the factors that go into finding a date for a fall birthday party (read: Husker football, soccer games, work trips and events, all of Travis’s fall fishing, football and hunting excursions, pumpkin picking in Kansas, etc.)—the two-party idea very quickly was thrown out the window. It’s a good thing the big girlies like each other (see recent post on Monday Funday for proof).

Seems like a good idea right? Awesome space that will accommodate the girls separate guest lists—Emme’s Kindergarten girlfriends and Sutty’s Frog friends--as well as our amazing family and friends who always show up for us at these types of events. With party-time only days away, I wasn’t so sure and was starting to sweat.

Exhibit A: Not one, but three invitations for this party. One for Emme’s kindergarten buddies with just Emme’s name. One for Sutty’s Frog friends with just her name. And one for our amazing family and friends who always show up for these types of events. Seriously.

Exibit B: As of Sunday evening, I’d only heard from one mama that her kiddo couldn't make it to the party. This probably doesn't sound like a huge issue until you hear that we sent 35+ invitations. Yikes! (Yeah, yeah, I know I made my bed... :-))

My brilliant idea to get our money’s worth and make life easier and have the awesomeness of Lincoln’s amazing Children’s Museum all to ourselves has morphed into what could be upwards of 30 kiddos flying high on birthday cake and juiceboxes.

We’ve worked out a game plan though, and I think we’re ready to rock. Monday I was able to get four gals from the Theta house to agree to help us out on Friday night. Yeah! The cakes and sub sandwiches are ordered with the caveat that I can't be held accountable for what the kiddos choose ot do not choose to eat. The party favors are almost ready to go. Most importantly, I’ve got two little girlies who are on their best behavior this week—apparently birthday parties rank right up there with Santa Clause, the Easter Bunny, etc.
Stay tuned…

When she grows up

While three drop-offs and pick-ups isn't ideal and makes for a long commute home after work and school, it does lend itself to really fun(ny) together time (most days :-)). Almost every day I hear something from the girls that makes me laugh out loud or something that opens the door to good conversation or teachable moments.

Yesterday Sutton's end of the conversation did not disappoint. Actually it was less of a conversation and more of a soliliquy.

Sutton (to no one in particular): When I grow up, I'm going to be a bride... and an army girl princess. Oh, and people will yell and cheer for me.

A little context for the reference to people yelling and cheering for her... I have no doubt that comment is a result of her experience at the Taylor Swift concert last weekend. There is a chance that we've created a monster. Since the concert she has taken to "performing" on the front porch and making anyone in the vicinity sit on the sidewalk below to be her audience. I should add she's not above telling anyone to cheer louder or more after she's finished her performance either.

Monday Funday

LPS teacher plan day = Monday Funday with the girlies. They chose the theme for the day... "painting." So after a little pottery painting at Paint Yourself Silly this morning, intermission for a fun lunch with daddy, and mani's and pedi's at our favorite little nail salon this afternoon, we are back home to rest a bit.

Today's lesson: Sometimes you're the artist. Sometimes you're the canvas. Both are good.

Today's other lesson had nothing to do with painting.. a lesson in sisterly love. When we started talking about today, I told Emme that it would be a special Mommy and Emme day. Full days of one-on-one mommy and insert girlie #1, #2 or #3's name here are few and far between these days. With three active little girlies, there are amazing one-on-one moments, but full-days not so much. After talking about what we should do and coming up with a tentative game plan, Emme said she thought Sutty should join us. It wouldn't be fair if she didn't. I tried to assure her that it was ok for her to have her own special day. She was quiet for a moment and then said, "Nope. I really, really want Sutty to come."

My heart smiled. They really do like each other. If given the choice Miss Emme chooses Miss Sutty. I have no doubt that as soon as Miss Eastyn is big enough to paint pottery and get her nails done, they will choose her too.

Keeping it Real

So, is it a bad sign when you pass the cleaning lady on the way out of the house and she asks you if you've been out of town? If you actually have been out of town--probably not. If you haven't been out of town since she was last at the house...

Normally at this point I would insert a photo or two... Not today, friends. Not today. I think the afore mentioned question speaks for itself. I'm happy to keep it real, but not quite that real. We're all better off. Trust me.

From Favorite Babysitter to Beautiful Bride

Labor day weekend we loaded everyone in the car for our first roadtrip to Leigh, Ne. It's safe to say that my girlies LOVE a good wedding, however, this one was particularly special as our favorite babysitter Krys would be walking down the aisle in a beautiful white dress.

We LOVE Krys. Krys has been our go-to sitter since Miss Emme was only eighteen months old. She taught both Emme and Sutty in the Caterpillar room at Little Kingdom. She has been a fixture at birthday parties. She remembers special days and makes regular days special.

We were so happy to get a couple of good pictures of the girls with Krys and also a picture of Sutty shaking her booty with some of her favorite teachers from Little Kingdom. More importantly, we are so happy that Krys is so happy. Her new hubby, Jesse, is a very lucky guy.

 

 

 

Thirty-four and officially a "soccer mom"

So, August 27, was a big day. Not only did I turn 34 and get a fabulous homemade cake and cupcakes made with love by the hubs and the girlies, I officially became a "soccer mom."  I know, I know... you all thought based on my sweet ride that I was already a soccer mom. However, I believe you have to have birthed a child who actually plays soccer to wear the title. So, now it's official. Emme had her first soccer practice and game on Saturday and Sutty had her's on Sunday. Eastyn, as usual, was just happy to be along for the ride :-)

 

 

Get that girl a microphone!?

We were playing outside the other night and Sutton jumped up on the retaining wall and started performing. Take a quick peek. You will not be disappointed. Sutty Grace does love some Taylor Swift. Little does she know that next Saturday night, Grandma and Papa are surprising her and her big sister with tickets to the Taylor Swift concert in Kansas City. Shhhhhh. Think this rendition might get her backstage passes?

First Football Friday of 2011

Happy Friday, friends! Football season is officially upon us! Sutty broke out her cheerleading outfit, matching knee high socks (courtesy of the fabulous Shilo Froeschl) and light up kicks for her inagural Husker Day in the Frog Class. Not to be outdone, Emme came downstairs in her Husker t-shirt, leopard print mini, knee high socks (also courtesy of the fabulous, fashionable Shilo Froeschl) and hot pink sneakers. Yowsers! Not too much else to say other than GO BIG Red!

Love for the Littlest Little

As I was perusing the blog as well as all some pictures that my hubby so graciously downloaded for me last night (ok, some really means literally thousands of pictures - please don't judge), I realized that the littlest of our littles is in dire need of little shout out. So today folks, its all love for the littlest of our littles.

Whoever coined the term, "third time's a charm" knew what they were talking about. Ten months in, Miss Eastyn Kate is certainly a charmer. She is a flirt. She is quick to smile and giggles A LOT. She still doesn't have any teeth. It doesn't appear that she will be getting teeth anytime soon. She has the best belly laugh. She loves puffs and vegetables and meat. She doesn't care for fruit. Lately she has been on a baby food strike. She thinks table food is the bomb diggity. She makes our middle little Sutton Grace, who is known to always go with the flow, look high maintenance. She screams (loud) when you don't feed her fast enough. She lights up when Emme walks in the room. She is starting to look less scared when Sutty gets in her face. She loves to play peekaboo. She has more hair than her sisters did at her age (unfortunately that's still not much). She loves the bath tub. She makes our day when she leans in and opens her mouth for "kisses, kisses, kisses." She growls. She is a snuggler before naptime and bedtime. She is busy. She is adamant that there is no talking or singing while she is having her bottle--it must be completely quiet while she eats. She loves to swing. She has quick hands. She crawls at lightning speed. Her weight and height have been perfectly proportional at each of her well-baby checks. She is the "runt" of the family (if you take her mama out of the mix). At 9 months, both her height and weight were in the 75th percentile. When she is really mad she arches her back and her face gets as red as a tomato. She is starting to cruise. She actually likes Riggs. She digs her binky, but only the 0-6 month version--tried the 6-12 month and she wants nothing to do with it. She loves music and dancing. She is a mama's girl. She rises most days before the sun. She is fast asleep most nights before 6:45 p.m.

Can't imagine life without Kate Kate. As Travis would say, "You'd have ten more kiddos if you knew they'd all be like Baby E." I should clarify that does not mean that we're having 10 more :-)

Wandering

As I’ve said many times over, the primary reason that I try to blog (on an as often as I can basis) is so that someday my three loveliest ladies can get a glimpse into their childhoods and perhaps have a few laughs or shed a few tears over the ghosts of holidays, milestones and plain old everydays past through their mama's eyes. Selfishly, I also hope that someday they will have a feel for the thirty-something me who was making her way through all of the things that she couldn’t have imagined when she was their age—juggling being a wife and a mommy, having a career, being a daughter, sister, friend, co-worker… you get my drift.

Most days, ok every day, I feel like I’ve got a lot of balls in the air. I’ve got a lot to think about, but my mind still wanders… probably more than I’d like to admit. I’m sure all of you are shocked :-).

I happened upon a quote the other day that totally spoke to my wandering mind… “If you want to know where your heart is, look to where your mind goes when it wanders.” Nine times out of ten, the pics below illustrate where my mind goes when it wanders… without a doubt they are where my heart is.

Kindergarten, Frogs and Table Food--Oh, my!

Yikes! My camera has been working overtime the last two weeks… Unfortunately, I have yet to download most of the pictures. Hopefully it will happen this weekend. However, I’m not making any promises. The big girls both start fall soccer and mama has a birthday to celebrate!

Big, big things have been happening at our house, folks. In a nutshell:
1) The biggest of our littles graduated from Preschool and started Kindergarten last week. She is LOVING it!

2)The middle little became the second Antholz lady to be in the Frog class. She is LOVING it!

3)The tiniest little (who is not so tiny anymore – she actually has grown two inches since June and weighs in at 20 lbs) is refusing baby food at 9 months. Seriously, the kid has NO teeth and doesn’t appear to be going to get them anytime soon, but she is only LOVING table food! One caveat - the servers at the restaurants we frequent--not loving Eastyn so much.

So until I get the “official” first days of school pictures downloaded, we'll have to enjoy those snapped with my phone. Seriously, what did parents do before they could capture all of life's magical moments on their cell phones?!

People who don't "have to" love your kids...

As Emerson, Sutton and Eastyn’s mama, I’m clearly biased. Their firsts, milestones and everyday accomplishments amaze me and make my heart swell with pride. Let’s be honest, I sort of have to love them. I can’t turn it off, it’s in the DNA :-). You know what amazes me and makes my heart swell a little bit more—the fact that there are people in their lives (who are not related to us) who are just as amazed and proud of the girls’ firsts, milestones, and everyday accomplishments as we are.

This summer I’ve found myself thinking a lot about the people who don’t “have to” love our kids. La La, who cared for Sutton until she was 18 months old, and her husband Michael moved from Lincoln to be nearer their family—our loss is definitely Iowa’s gain. Krys, who has been our go-to sitter for the last five years. Anne, Eastyn’s daycare provider, who elicits smiles and happy squeals from Baby E every morning when we drop her off. Emme’s teachers, Cari and Alyse, at Little Kingdom, whose thoughtful messages sending Emme off to Kindergarten brought tears to my eyes. Sutty’s Bumblebee teachers who told me the other day how much they are going to miss “their princess” when she moves to the Frogs. The list goes on.

When I returned to work after having Emme and was struggling with not being with her all day, every day and the whole daycare thing, a co-worker with a lot of life and wisdom under his belt said very plainly, “just always remember that you are expanding the circle of people who love your children and who they love in return.” Although it made me feel better, I probably didn’t really get it then. Today, I assure you that I get it.

I am humbled and so grateful to those people, who don’t “have to,” but have made the choice to love my children! My kiddos (and their parents) are better for having them in their lives.

Letter from a first-time Kindergarten mama

On the eve of Emme's Kindergarten open house, I started to think about what I would share with Emme's new teacher if I could. Obviously, she will get to know her well over the next year, and I imagine that I will have the chance to share some tidbits, but given the chance to share more...

Dear Mrs. Penner,

I imagine that you received the “basics” on my first born when you learned that she was going to be in your class this year—name, age, where she went to preschool, etc. However, as I anticipate her transition into Sheridan Elementary, I thought that perhaps I’d share a few more things about Miss Emme…

She knows the rules and isn’t afraid to follow them (99% of the time). She loves to play school—as long as she’s the teacher. She likes learning new things. She doesn’t like to make mistakes. She swims an awesome freestyle. She loves Husker football. She loves shoes—the more bling, the better. She believes in the Tooth Fairy, Disney Princesses, Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. She makes her baby sister Eastyn’s face light up when she walks in the room. Her favorite way to wear her hair is in a “whole pony.” She is smart. She insists on picking out her own clothes. She smiles when she asks why her little sister Sutton always wants to copy her—because she already knows the answer. She is proud that her sister wants to be like her. She loves Taylor Swift and Justin Beaver. She is logical and practical (for a five-year-old). She loves peanut butter and honey sandwiches. She is thoughtful. She prefers things her way and on her terms. She loves markers, paint, sidewalk chalk and anything having to do with doing “projects.” She is competitive. Even when you think she’s not listening, she absolutely is and she’ll likely prove it to you hours or even days later. Her favorite princess is Jasmine. She loves books. She can be sensitive and cautious and sometimes quiet and shy. She can be silly and loud and has a strong will. She loves to help. She might act like she doesn’t care, but she really does. She loves art—drawing, coloring, cutting, gluing, etc. She likes to cuddle. She is slow to open up, but when she does, she is all in.

Thank you in advance for the time that you will spend teaching, nurturing and molding my oldest little. Enjoy her. Appreciate her. Engage her. I promise you will not be disappointed.

Sincerely,
Amber Antholz, A first-time Kindergarten mama

Camp Sheridan

Last Thursday and Friday, Miss Emerson got her first taste of Kindergarten in Mrs. Penner's class. She attended "Camp Sheridan" with her new classmates. And she liked it... A LOT! To quote Emme, "Hey Mom, now that I know Kindergarten is so fun, I don't need to go back to Little Kingdom."

So, it is official. My first born baby girl is headed for the next phase with a big, huge (that second adjective is for her daddy) smile on her face, her pony tail bobbing back and forth and a skip in her step. I am smiling because she is smiling. I will skip because she is skipping. Although I would be lying if I didn't admit that I'm not pushing back a twinge of sadness as I think about how quickly my first born is growing up,
I am truly excited for her next phase--for all that she will learn and experience and the little person that she will become.

Stuck in the middle with you

She wears a princess dress, fairy wings or some sort of costume EVERY day. She loves any and every variation of the color pink. She does not care to pick up her toys, clothes, etc… ever. She would eat macaroni and cheese for every meal if she could. She loves candy. She shimmies, saches and twirls to the majority of her destinations. She loves to sing. She believes with her entire being that glass slippers and soccer shoes are always appropriate. She just goes with the flow. She is a talker who doesn’t seem to notice when people aren’t listening. She loves hard. She plays big. You never wonder what she thinks, as she is absolutely comfortable shouting it from the proverbial rooftop. She thinks she is hilarious and cracks herself up on a regular basis.

Stuck in the middle with our very own middle little, Sutty Grace... Don't mind if I do.

When they think no one is watching...

One of my favorite things to do is to watch or listen to the little girlies play or just hang out together when they don't know that I'm watching or listening. It is in these moments that I know that they will be more than sisters--they will be the best of friends. Often times it makes me proud of the little people they are becoming. On occasion it makes me worry about the things that they see or hear that I'd rather they not. But quite honestly, watching and listening to them usually just makes me belly laugh! Check out the pictures below and you'll know why.

These pics were snapped after I was discovered watching some serious pretend play involving "swim princesses." Emerson was getting "Swimderella" ready for the underwater ball, which explains Sutty's princess dress very thoughtfully accessorized with cotton candy pink swim cap and pink goggles. Sorry for the quality of the pics... I snapped them with my phone.

Remembering another hot, happy day...

July 20 was H-O-T! Yesterday I noticed... in 2002 I didn't notice at all.

It's hard to believe we were married nine years ago. Honestly, it feels like yesterday until I really stop to think about what's happened in that time or look at the pics from that day. Oh, to be that thin again. I suppose the three lovely little girlies who've since joined our family are worth it though, huh :-)

A few months before the wedding my mom asked both Travis and me to write a little "story" for a newsletter that she was putting together to go out before the big day... I found it last night and it made me smile. The paragraph below was the end of my story and is as true (perhaps truer) today as it was then:

"And so the 'love story' goes… or at least the abbreviated version. What the story fails to say and what is difficult to put into words is what exists between the lines—how so very blessed I feel to have Travis in my life. He is fiercely loyal, absolutely genuine, strong-willed, and as most of you know I can always count on him to carry the conversation!

So this is one story to which there is not an end, only a commitment 'to be continued'..."

Girls of Summer

Emerson Jules + Sutton Grace + Eastyn Kate + Grandma and Papa's Front Porch + Shalista and her Camera = Pure Awesomeness that is now Forever!