Trying to Save Here, Girls!

So, I try to save some money each week when I go to the grocery store by using coupons. . . . well so much for being organized about things. This is what I found my girls doing with my coupons!! They are pretending to be playing in the snow. Ansley is even making snow angels. Geez girls!! But, I do love them anyway!!

Go Georgia Bulldogs!

Okay, Okay, I grew up an Auburn fan. . . but please forgive me. . . . I married into GA. Gosh, what happened. . . I dunno, and I am speechless for a moment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BUT here are my sweet girls sporting their new Bulldog attire. Its so funny, they see football on TV and start chanting Georgia Bulldogs. . . bulldogs! They LOVE dressing in their cheerleading outfits "like Daddy". Here are some pictures.

Its so funny. These days, you ask them to pose for a picture and they automatically start hugging each other. Do you think I might have asked them to take a few pictures along the way???

Sorry, none of Daddy in his "GA Bulldogs". . . you will have to wait until another time-I know you are so upset. . . haha!

Labor Day at Wills Park

Fall fever is in the air. It certainly doesn't feel like Fall yet, but we are really, really ready for Fall to be in full swing. Last weekend, Labor Day weekend, was picture perfect. The weather was absolutely amazing outside. We love being outside more than any other place, so we always try to take the girls to the park on Labor Day and this year was no different. We decided to go to Wills Park this year. We had a great time. Ansley actually played on the "Monkey Bars" this year and Kylie went down the big girls slide all by herself. Both were new and exciting for the girls. We packed a picnic lunch and had Aunt Juju in town. My girls were SO happy!! Here are some pics from our fun trip to the park.

The Simple Moments in Life

What a beautiful day God blessed us with today! The weather was perfect!
Late tonight we were playing in the backyard when suddenly Kylie sat down to play with something. She had found an injured butterfly in the grass. I watched as my girls took to the little injured butterfly. . . taking turns holding it and petting it and assuring it that it was going to be okay. It really took hold of Ansley and wouldn't let go of her little finger. She even said later, "Mommy, she really likes me. She doesn't want get off of my finger." Even Kylie sat perfectly still as it fluttered across her tiny little hand. She laughed hysterically as its little wings ticked her palm.

Finally, we decided to bring it in and put it into a bowl. Ansley wanted to give it some water. She said butterflies like water. She also said that we need to feed it something to eat. So we all went to the fridge looking for something to feed a butterfly(it was quite funny). "Chocolate milk. . . no butterflies don't drink chocolate milk--that's silly! . . . .cheese, no! Yogurt. . no! Maybe broccoli because butterflies like 'begtables' " Finally, we settled on pieces of bananas. We all sat in the floor and watched the little butterfly take to the banana pieces.
When I put Ansley to bed tonight she said, "Mommy, the butterfly has gone to sleep standing on the banana."

Good night sweet butterfly. The sweet, simple moments you brought my girls today will forever be remembered.

Back To School!

Well, the school bell officially rang for the Stinson girls on Tuesday, August 3rd. Ansley and Kylie started back to school at Carrington Academy. Ansley is in the Georgia PreK program and Kylie is in the 2's class with Mrs. Sheila. They both love their new classes!

However, in the past few weeks I have had some disappointments that have set off a series of events that are leading to some change. The issue was that last Monday, Ansley brought home a newsletter stating it would be mandatory that ALL PreK children will be required to wear uniforms starting September 1st. Ansley would have to wear a uniform everyday. This really upset me because Georgia PreK students do not have to wear uniforms for eligibility in a program. However, Carrington decided to make it mandatory, AFTER the school year started. We felt like it was a very undermined action. Its also very sad to me. She is 4! What benefits do 4 year olds have for wearing uniforms. Their little personalities are hidden underneath a brand. Even more, Kylie would have to wear them next year at 3. I know it sounds so ridiculous and superficial as I sit here rereading what I typed. There are other small issues I have been dealing with throughout our experience there, but have always wanted to leave my girls because we LOVE their teachers so much and knew they were loved and taken care of. There is just something more to this than the uniforms. It is the uniforms, but its not. I just can't put the feelings into words.

But after MUCH praying, God has sent me peace that it is time for a change. No one has ever said change is easy and this will not be an exception. Ansley will begin a new GA PreK program this upcoming week at Willow Brook Academy. To find an open GA state funded PreK spot after the school year is underway is almost unheard of! One child moved out of state during the summer, which left the spot open. I took this as one of my most prominent signs that the move was God's workings. Kylie will join her there in about a month since I had to give a 30 day notice. I was very impressed with their facility and they have the same programs and features that Carrington does, without all the extra expense. Their prices are more in line with what the state recommends charging families. Ans is excited and ready to begin. I think she is most excited that she will get to eat lunch in a lunchroom(which is an area in the center of the preschool with tables).
Children are very resiliant and they will be fine. I feel this is part of God's plan for our lives right now and its not our job to ask why. We just are obedient and good things will come. I am very sad about leaving Carrington since I worked there for months and have close relationships with many people that work there. Please keep my girls in your prayers over the next month as they begin this new experience in their young lives.

Partying with Friends

Today Ansley finally got to celebrate her birthday with her closest friends. We decided to keep it small and simple. We even had it on a weekday, so it wouldn't take anyone's time on the weekend. You would think because she has a summer birthday it would be easy to have a party outside. But its really not. Its so stinking hot right now that no one really wants to even be outside. So, we decided to have an Ice Cream Sundae party. It turned out great! It was so hot that the kids really didn't even want to jump in our jumpy house, but loved the ice cream! Ansley was so happy to have her friends over. Thank you to all our sweet friends who came!

But, Shew-wee. . . I am tired of birthday parties. We have been partying since Kylie's birthday at the end of May until today! I love organizing them, but I am actually tired now. We couldn't help the timing of things this year, but next year I am hoping for ONE big party. . .maybe for both girls in one--we'll see! :-)

Yum, look at all these toppings!

I'm 4!

Ansley and Peyton

Kylie, Sophie, Sadie, and Maddie

Grace, Avery, Abby, Ansley & Peyton

Blowing out her sundae candle

The ice cream sundae table

All the girlies! It was SO hard to get them still and smiling. I have no idea what Ansley is doing here. Its the best one of the ones I made-ha!

Here is a picture of the party favor I made. I was so pleased in how they came out. It was a last minute brainstorm. I found these cute sundae dishes at CVS for a great price. Then,I wrapped candy inside of tissue paper, taped on a red pompom, wrapped in a treat bag, and there you have it--an ice cream sundae to go! And the best part is that the dishes can be reused instead of being tossed aside. I know my girls love having their own special dishes.

Happy 4th of July/Birthday

Happy 4th of July! Thank God for the freedom we have as Americans every day! We are all very blessed to live in the county despite the mess the media is always projecting!

We loaded the girls up and went to Alabama like we do each year for the 4th! We love swimming in a private pool! My girls were in heaven not having to worry about anybody else. It seems this summer its been accomplishment after accomplishment for these girls in the water. My cousin Lisa and her kiddos were there. It was so nice to see them. We only see them once a year, but I wish it was more often

We also celebrated Ansley's birthday with my side of the family! Here are some pics!

Here she goes off the diving board for the 1st time ever!

And again, and again! She was doing cannonballs by the end of the day!

Chillin with Gia!

Down the slide for the 1st time ever! Look at her little face.

Kylie climbed all the way to the top of the slide to try it out and then decided she wanted to back down. No way, I made her go down. Juju was there to catch her.

And, THIS is the reaction after she caught her breath. . . boy was she ever MAD at Mama!

Ansley's Birthday cupcakes. She wanted cherries on top, and sprinkles because "Juju likes sprinkles".