Preschool Graduation Program Photos

On the last day of preschool, each individual class performed one or two songs and then the entire school performed a few songs together, as a whole.  Our kiddies sounded out the entire alphabet, while signing it.  It was rather impressive to see that their teachers taught them to sign the entire alphabet.  They know something I don't. The last song the entire school sang was "HAPPY" by Ferrell.  The school chose to end on a HAPPY note, not a sad one.  Enjoy a few pictures of the performance and afterwards.  I have never been able to get the lighting right in the school's church, so I apologize for the poor quality of images.  

We were so proud of Lilah and Jax and we are looking forward to the next stage of their lives!

 #thetwinsbiggestfans

 The fun Frogs class.  

 These pictures are right before they began singing "HAPPY".

 You can tell these kids were veterans because they did so well and weren't shy at all.

 A little alphabet "signing" going on here.

 Julia, below, is a friend from church, small group, and school!

 My beautiful TWO!

 More of Julia!

 More of the Happy song! This song turned them into GIGGLE monsters.

 You can see how happy this song really made them!

 I cannot believe how alive they became, on stage, in front of over 100 people.

After the performances, they had a special moment for the graduates. Jax received his certificate of graduation.

As did Lilah!

 And Julia.

 We allowed Ty to cut out of school early to be a part of this special day!

 Saying goodbye to their teachers!

We have seen Mrs. Donna a ton already, since school has let out.  Her son, Josh, and Ty have been best buddies since birth. It's helpful knowing it's not goodbye for good.

Jax stopped to take a pic with his buddy "Jack".  

 Grandad and Grandnee came to support the twins and arrived with a thoughtful gift in hand.

 It was a HAPPY, exciting day and I am so glad we were all there to be a part of it.

"My Morning Out" preschool will be forever in our hearts.  It was a wonderful experience that began with Tyson first.  He entered into the program when he was 2.  I loved the school because it wasn't just daycare.  The teachers invested a ton of time into what they were teaching their students.  I give MUCH credit to the teachers because MOST of what the twins know is from them (as far as academically).  With Ty, it was the other way around.  I had a lot more one on one time with him.  Once the twins came around, our lives were much more involved in the community, with church and sports and it is just all around MORE busy.  I relied heavily on Bethel's teachers to help teach the twins the fundamentals.  I know their hard work will be what gets them through their first year of kindergarten.  I was also pleased with the amount of scripture/bible stories they learned and I appreciated the 9-1 time frame.  Ty was also a part of a 9-12 preschool and that was just not enough time.  I was so honored to be able to have them there. We will miss everyone greatly.  

I took a bunch of photos, but the photos above were the ones that I enjoyed the most.  You can see all of the photos, below, by clicking on the photo album.  Enjoy!

A HUGE MILESTONE!

LILAH AND JAX ARE OFFICIALLY DONE WITH DIAPERS. They have been fully potty trained for a good year now, but we weren't ready to pull the plug on diapers at BEDTIME (overnight). I handed off their last set of diapers, this past Sunday, to a friend, at church. If I have calculated correctly, Darren and I have changed approximately 15,360 diapers since the twins have been born. Can you IMAGINE? I refused to share this milestone until Lilah and Jax went 5 straight days, in a row, without an accident. Jax was great at this from the very beginning. Lilah struggled just slightly. However, now, we are proud to announce that the twins wake up dry every morning. Hip, Hip, HORAY!

Li&J's ACTUAL BIRTH-day!

On March 25, 2009, two beautiful and healthy babies were placed in my arms (well actually Darren's :). It is all a very distant memory how we made it from day one to present time, but I know I owe all the credit to our LORD and Savior. By His grace WE have survived. I could not imagine life without them, although there are days I'd love to get it my car and drive far far away :) It doesn't take long for my thoughts to be reigned back in, gaze at them, and cherish their sweet smiles, contagious laughter, and stinky feet. UNTIL..... the next moment of whining or disobedience occurs. Vicious cycle, but I know one day I will regret NOT having them around.

This year, March 25th landed on a Sunday. We brought Dunkin Donuts into church for all their church friends to enjoy! Later that night, we let Lilah and Jax choose a restaurant to eat at. Lilah chose El Rodeo. Jax isn't a fan, but we told him he could pick a restaurant another day. She always gets her way. LOL! Afterwards, we met Grandnee and Grandad at the Salem Ice Cream Parlor for a sweet birthday treat. Then we gave them their gifts. Each child received 3 gifts. It wasn't overwhelming and they seemed to value it more. This might be a new Christmas tradition after all (3 gifts).

My three amigos at El Rodeo!

I LOVE THIS SHOT OF LILAH! She looks so grown up and beautiful.

At El Rodeo we had Ty smile with the birthday boy!

Somehow we all managed to wear black, but I PROMISE it wasn't planned.

A nice group shot!

Silly daddy!

Jaxey feeds grandad.

Big brother!

The birthday girl enjoys some "crazy vanilla." See her sweet bracelet? Mommy bought her some "bling". A personalized beaded bracelet.

Jax enjoyed his time at the ice cream parlor.

"A BIKE FOR ME?" Exclaimed Jax.

He wasted NO time getting on it.

Jax received a bike from Grandee and Grandad. Mommy and Daddy bought him his very own razor scooter.

Grandnee and Grandad purchased the "Bitty Twins" from American Doll.

Lilah received an leapPAD! Just like a ipad, but for kids (from mommy and daddy!)

Grandnee gets some birthday kisses and hugs before she leaves.

Happy 3rd Birthday LILAH AND JAXON!

Lilah and Jaxon are now 3 years old. It's incredibly hard to believe three years has gone by that quickly. I almost decided against a birthday party because we bought each of them big girl and big boy furniture, but as time approached I couldn't refrain. I decided to throw their party at Build-A-Bear because it was a viable option, one that our guests have never been to before, and before long, Jax will NOT be interested in stuffed animals. As I began the planning process, I decided I wanted this party to feel like more than a playdate at BAB or the mall. After the party at build-a-bear, I designed a teddy bear picnic for the kids to eat at. I had a fun time creating all the details. And the day of the party it all came to fruition as my dear friends/hired help set it all up for me while I stuffed some teddy bears with the birthday boy and girl. From what I gather, all of the kids had a fantastic time. The ONLY detail I did NOT capture was the adult party favor :( but every other detail is documented. A special thanks goes out to Chick-Fil-A for their amazing service to us. The owner and his daughter personally stood by our side, serving us, the entire time we ate. AND to Allison and Kaitlyn for lending us their amazing help so Darren and I could cherish this time with our "babies". Those two are the only two girls who know what I like and aim to please. I am grateful for all of my sisters in Christ who attended as well as their children. Lilah and Jaxon will never forget this BEARY SPECIAL TIME with all of them!!!!!

OF COURSE BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR A BIRTHDAY VIDEO FROM "BIG D" soon! He's been working on it!!!

First Day of Preschool For Lilah and Jax

Lilah and Jax's first day of pre-school was Thursday, September 8th. They woke up excited as ever and more than willing to get dressed. I got them dressed FIRST and then we headed downstairs for breakfast.

All items brought to school had to be labeled. Preparations for preschool was rather intense. :)

(Of course they had to bring Ms. Donna and Ms. Amy a little welcome gift! I thought these "lunch box" hand sanitizers were cute from Bath & Body works)

I didn't make anything fancy for the first day of school because I wasn't sure if we'd have time for the usual. Unfortunately they ate NONE of it, or barely anything. I guess the anticipation was killing them.

Before school started, we took some traditional "first day of school" pictures. They are so cute together aren't they?

My "handsome bunny!"

My "pretty princess!"

Jax fell down RIGHT before this picture. :(

After loading up the car, I headed to Hardees for a diet coke. On the way to school, from Hardees, we back tracked and it appeared as if we were heading to our home, but we WEREN'T. Apparently, Lilah and Jax thought I was so they both simultaneously (go figure) said, "No home mommy, no home!" Of course, I reassured them that we were NOT going home. Instead, we were going to school.

Off to school we went. The doors opened promptly at 8:55 am. In Lilah and Jax went with NO ISSUES what-so-ever. I dropped them off and they NEVER looked back.

They picked up where they left off on orientation night.

When I came back, 4 hours later to pick them up, I'm assuming, from Lilah's reaction, they had a blast. She saw me and said, "NO MOMMY!" Basically telling me she wanted to stay. LOL!!!!

(Taken after school let out)

I think it helped that familiar faces existed (Cohen and Cyrus), but Lilah has made two new girlfriends as well.... Paras and Kaitlyn. I am so happy they love it. I LOVE IT TOO! I enjoy being a mommy but I think every mommy deserves and NEEDS a break!!!!! Since school last week, Lilah nor Jaxon have had ANY accidents in their pants either. YAY!!!!!!