Defy Gravity Birthday Party

Last years Cupcake Wars party for Kamdyn's 10th birthday did me in for a while.  I told her we had to have a small party where we paid our money.  Showed up.  And left.  I do love throwing a good party, but it takes me a while to forget about how much work they are.  This was a pay and show up year for both girls!  I love not being stressed and actually enjoying the party!

Kamdyn and her friends had the best time.  They jumped and played for an hour.  Then we drove all of the girls back to our house for pizza, cake, and ice cream.  It was perfect!  Kamdyn has the sweetest little friends.  I am so proud of her for choosing wisely and for choosing sweet girls who are rule followers with such sweet hearts.  So far, we are steering clear of drama!!

Richard made all of the girls shirts with their monograms on them. Some chose not to change in to them when they got to our house, but Kamdyn says they all have been wearing them to school!

Happy Birthday, Kamdyn Lucy!!

Without Karcie

With Karcie

Kamdyn is 11!!

April Fool's Day will never have the same meaning to me. It will forever be my girl's birthday.  The  day that I became a Mom.  And, the moment that my life instantly became busier and better.  This sweet cheeked baby grew up so quickly.  I can still remember her precious voice and holding her in my arms.  She is so special to our family and I don't think she even realizes the impact that she has made on so many in her short 11 years on this Earth. She has the most humble, caring, empathetic, loving heart.  She is an old soul.  I have no doubt that she was sent here to make me a better person.  So many people say that she looks and/or acts just like I did.  But, I am here to tell you, she is way better than I could have ever been/be.  I am just so very thankful that God chose me.  He chose me to take care of her, to lead her, to love her, and to teach her.  She has taught me far more than I could ever teach her. I still have so much to learn!  

The teenage years are just around the corner.  I dread them and look forward to them all at the same time.  I know she will make me proud.  I don't think she will ever give us a bit of teenage trouble.  I will continue to pray for that anyway.  

Kamdyn Lucy, I love that you are always YOU!  You never let anyone take you off course from what is right.   You see the good in most everyone and every situation.  You have your moments of frustration, but you never let anything get you down for long.  You are confident, strong, beautiful, and have I mentioned smart???  In 6th grade you have agreed to take on 6th, 7th, and 8th grade math all in one year!!  I love your determination to learn.   I love how much you love Math.  I can't wait to see all that you will accomplish in middle school.  You are so loved, baby girl!!

I love you,

Mommy

Kamdyn got some pretty special gifts this year.

New Roller Blades from Aunt Kathy and Uncle Jim

A beautiful new necklace from Nanny!

And her favorite gift was her I-Touch.  Nope.  Not getting a phone anytime soon.

She also got a new pair of black converse.  She had been wanting these for a while!

 I love this girl with all of my heart!

Kamdyn's 5th Grade Field Trip (Last Elementary Trip)

I signed up at the beginning of the school year to attend this trip (Carolina Ocean Studies) with Kamdyn and her class.  However, once Richard found out what the trip was actually about and what they would be doing, he decided that he would like to go.  I was a little relieved, but I was also a bit sad because it would be her last elementary field trip.  I have attended almost all of her trips since she started school so I guess having to miss the last one wasn't so bad.  

Kamdyn and Richard had a super fun time.  I loved getting the updates.  They left the school around 6:00 AM that morning and didn't get back until around 7:45 PM that night.  Lucky for Richard, I "won" a ride on the charter bus so he didn't have to drive.  

These 5th graders are such a great group of kiddos.  I love subbing in their classes this year.  I will be sad to not have Kamdyn at Scott's Ridge next year.  I'm so proud of you, Kamdyn Lucy!