David Singing at Church

For the record: I LOVE David's Preschool. I love his teachers, the staff, the curriculum, the arts and crafts, the music class, everything. Because it's at a church, everything they do is based on the basic principles of Christianity. Evidently, over the last month David and his classmates [along with other classes] have been learning some new Bible song and practicing them everyday. Today was 'Preschool Recognition' during the 11:00 am church service. We've never attended the church, but wanted to go so David could sing what he had been practicing and we could all visit the church itself and perhaps find a church-home. 

We weren't told much about the schedule of events for the morning. All I knew was that it was during the 11 o'clock service and he would go up to sing early in the hour of worship. So, it was a great comfort to see one of David's teachers when we first walked in the door. Knowing she was going to be up there singing too brought him, and me, great comfort. We sat close to the front [the front row, actually] so David could walk up to the stage when it was time and so we could see him while he was singing. Both kids were very good during the beginning of the service. They just look around, taking it all in. 

David [and his schoolmates] sang three songs. Watching these little kids sing Bible songs is one of the most precious things I have ever seen. 

It Isn't Any Trouble

Praise Him, Praise Him [my personal favorite]

David kept turning around to check out what the big kids behind him were doing. So, in the last video he is hard to see. But, he has been singing this song all day everyday and I was so glad to finally see him perform it. 

Get In The Ark 

After singing, David went with his teacher to Children's Church, mostly to play. Rachael sat with us the entire service [front and center, remember] and was very good. I had packed books, snacks, water and a few toys to keep her occupied. There was only one time she got so wiggly that I was planning our exit strategy, but she settled down before I needed to execute it. 

When the service ended we were greeted by several women of the church. They all wanted to tell us how adorable and well behaved our kids were. [That is always a wonderful and welcomed compliment to hear!] One lady was paying such close attention to us that she knew David, the one she said had "those gorgeous big brown eyes and blonde hair" was ours. And the sweet older man behind us gave Rachael a little wooden cross necklace for being such a good girl during the service. 

While Ryan and I concluded the church isn't a perfect fit for us, we did enjoy visiting and, of course, Preschool Recognition was our favorite part. There were lots of things we liked about the church and we are glad we had a chance to visit. I mean, how could we not like a preacher who mentions The Redheaded Stranger and NASCAR in the same sermon? 

Her First Big Scratch

Thursday evening Ryan was playing with the kids in the front yard while I started making dinner. They had been out there for about 20 minutes or so when all of a sudden I hear Rachael crying. I wasn't completely surprised. Being a girl, she can be quiet emotional and gets upset easily. She often needs some Mama time to help her get over whatever made her mad. So, I thought she was probably coming in because she wanted her Mama to hold her. Well, it was a bit more than that...

Ryan said they were all having a great time and Rachael wanted to ride the little firetruck David got for his first birthday. She was pushing herself on the driveway. Ryan walked around his truck and Rachael was out of his view for a moment. In that time she took a turn down the driveway (we have a steep driveway). She got going too fast and crashed. Right onto her face! 

I heard the cries from the kitchen, but like I said, didn't think too much of it. Ryan carried Rachael into the house. I met them as they came in asking, "What happened?" I didn't see the scrapes at first. I was just talking to make her smile. When I finally got to them, I saw her face!!!! I froze, felt her pain rush through my body and turned away so I could get my thoughts together. After a few seconds I was finally able to think. We got her paci and a wet washcloth. I blotted her face while she clung to me still screaming. As I cleaned up her wounds I saw that the scrapes went way up past her hairline. Ryan felt terrible. She finally calmed down but didn't want me to let go of her.
 I made dinner with one hand that night.

A little bit happier as she enjoys her asparagus.



Her scratches are starting to heal now. She has a black eye that doesn't show up in pictures for some reason. The spots under her eye have changed into scrabs. Her eye is still swollen. And there is a big bruise under the biggest scratch on her forehead.
To make matters worse she also has a cold. She looks incredibly pitiful with her runny hose and scratched up face. I hate taking her in public because I don't people to think I'm a bad Mama.


Today:






I am keeping ointment on it as much as I can to help it heal up real quick. She doesn't bother it too much. I was worried she would have a hard time sleep that first night, but she did fine. She also isn't bothered by it enough not to nurse, which was another one of my concerns. It is painful for both, Ryan and  me, to look at her precious face. We just hate to think of our sweet little girl in pain. But, we are thankful it is already getting better.


Remember David's first big scratch? 

Valentine's Day

Our Valentine's Day was hectic, fun, and celebrated in two state. In the morning we all joined David at school for his class party.

Munching on one of the chocolate covered strawberries I made for the party.

As usual, Rachael found the empty chair and made herself comfortable. 

David exchanged valentines with the other students. His box was filled to the brim with goodies. [We worked together to make his box the week before his party. I think he did a great job decorating it]





David also gave his teachers a special Valentine's flower and a hug.






I tried to get a cute picture of both kids in their Valentine's outfits, but this continues to be insanely difficult.


I got this one:




And...this one:




This was the best we could do:

Still cute as can be even if it's not perfect.
[I can't believe THIS was them just last year]

Immediately after school we jumped in the car and headed out on our road trip to Nashville!!

Saturday

This past Saturday was one of those perfect days you wish would last forever. The weather was beautiful, it was just us, doing things we enjoy, in a place we love.

We went hiking!







While on our hike David found this cross lying on the ground. Can you see it?

He has recently become very interested in crosses. He loves to draw them all the time and got very excited when he found this one all by himself.


We had this insanely cute moment when Rachael realized that she had on overalls just like Daddy's.



And then David remembered he had his on too! [I love Rachael's face]



Oh, and then there's this one.



And this one.



And this one.

My goodness! I can hardly stand the cuteness.


The only one not so happy was our 13 year old puppy. He did not want to see the hike end.




That same day the boys did a little shooting.





Here's a video of David shooting. Ryan is holding/aiming the gun and telling David when to squeeze the trigger.

Rachael is pretty sure she is ready to start shooting too. [it's a toy gun, by the way]

SNOW!

While we were visiting Ma and Big Daddy this weekend, we got an extra fun surprise- SNOW! 

The kids absolutely loved it. And yes, they are in their pj's. When it's snowing in Georgia, there's no time to change clothes because it could stop at any moment! 

We also celebrated Aunt Laureen's birthday. 

David, as always, assisted in the candle blowing. 

And present opening. 

Rachael's favorite part of the festivities was definitely the cake!