My Girl is FOUR!!

I just can't believe it.  Not sure where the time has gone, but it has been fast.  I will forever be grateful to Richard for allowing me to stay home with this girl and watch her grow.  I really missed so much with Kamdyn living the fast and furious life of a working Mommy.  Karcie and I have our moments, but I truly have enjoyed all of the time that I have been able to spend with her.  I mostly enjoy the downtime during the day when we get to snuggle on the couch and just hang out.  There is nothing like it!  She gives the best snuggles and hugs.  

I hung balloons on her door the night before.  I heard her open her door first thing that morning.  I heard her say, "Huh? My balloons! It's my birthday!"  Then, her little baby pitter patter feet came running to my bedside to say, "Mommy, it's my birthday.  Somebody put balloons on my door!"  Kamdyn snapped a few photos as she first came out of her room.  I got a few photos a little later that day.  We JUST took these balloons down almost two weeks later.

We went to Jazzercise that morning and she chose what dress she wanted to wear for her special day.  After Jazzercise, I asked her if she wanted to go to Dunkin' Donuts.  When we got there she decided to get ice cream from the Baskin Robbins side instead.  She  chose cotton candy.....it was bright pink and purple.  Everyone needs ice cream before lunch on their birthday! They gave her the ice cream for free when she told them that it was her birthday.

After enjoying her special treat, we decided to take my friend Carrie a special treat at her work since she shares the same birthday as Karcie.  Ms. Carrie was so happy to see us!

That evening Karcie chose to have her birthday dinner at Chick-fil-A.  The girls ate, played on the playground, and enjoyed ice cream.

When we got home it was time to open presents from our family.  Karcie had a super day and could NOT  wait for her actual birthday party to get here!

This is one special four-year-old.  I am so happy that I get to be her Mom.  Her personality is like none other.  She is forever making us laugh.  She is fearless, wonderful, sweet, strong-willed, and was created JUST the way God intended.  We couldn't ask for anything more!

Ta Da!!

Future model?  She got some poses!

My beautiful girl!

Love this sweetheart!

Karcie and Ms. Carrie

Sweet Sisters!

Silly sisters!

Daddy wanted some ice cream!

He got it......times two!

Like ice cream, Karcie?

Good to the last drop!

Karcie is in love with her new pink flat rock from Ruthie.  She lost it the very next day, but she found it!

Strawberry Shortcake from Nanny!

Selfies with Mommy!

My sweet baby!

Love her precious smile!

And her snuggles!!  I hope she will always let me hold her!

Very Hungry Caterpillar Party

We love Karcie's Preschool.  Her teachers are phenomenal!  It's amazing to me what they have been able to get two-year-olds to do.  The parents were invited to watch the little caterpillars turn into butterflies.  First, they stuffed themselves with each of the different foods that the Hungry Caterpillar eats in the story.  Then, they went into their cocoons and came out beautiful butterflies.  This was the cutest thing EVER!!  If I ever go back to teaching little ones, this will definitely be an added celebration in my curriculum.

Karcie was thrilled to have us there.  When we walked upstairs, her little face was so sweet when she saw me, Kamdyn, and Georgia.  I'm still amazed that they get this little booger to stay in her seat!  She's never sat this long for us.  Ever.

We watched them try each new food.  We sent in apple pie and sausage.  Their little placemats were Ah-Dorable.  There was a picture/amount for each of the foods.  And look at the costumes that they made!

Our precious little caterpillar!

Proud as punch to see us!!

LOVE!

Look at those mini ice cream cones on Bugles....genius!

Big Sister didn't want to miss a thing.  She was snapping photos and videos on my phone.

This smile just lights up a room!

Georgia helping Karcie.

Karcie said the pepperonis were "Picy!"  a.k.a Spicy!

Dancing Caterpillars about to go inside their cocoon.

OUT comes our beautiful butterfly!!

Look at that precious face and smile!!  I could eat her UP!!

My FAVORITE TEACHER!!

My trip to Augusta was a surprise for my precious friend, Denise, who was chosen as the Teacher of the Year at her school. After being chose on the school level, you write a 10 page paper describing your adventures in teaching.  The county chooses 5 Top Finalists!  Denise was chosen as a finalist for the 2nd time!  We were bummed a few years ago when she didn't win Teacher of the Year for the County.  I just KNEW that this was HER year!!  When she asked me about getting a ticket, I told her that I didn't see how I could make it work.  I didn't know how scheduling would be for Richard's work and how he would manage to get Kamdyn to and from school and her activities.  After I mulled it over for a while, I decided that I couldn't miss Denise's BIG night.  I had a gut feeling she was going to win!  I secretly purchased my own ticket.  I ran into her husband Al as I was walking into the Riverfront Marriott that night.  He almost fell over when he saw me because no one had an idea that I was coming.  He walked me in to find Denise!  She started screaming and jumping up and down.  My plan was a success!

I cried when they announced her name as the winner.  Denise is so deserving!  She and I have shared so many "teacher" stories along the way. She was the first sweet face that greeted me and took me to lunch when I went completed new teacher orientation in Augusta in 2001.  She was the BEST mentor, friend, and cheerleader to me.  I never would have made it 12 years in Richmond County without this positive and upbeat lady!  People just do not realize what teachers go through on a daily basis.  Her acceptance speech was PERFECT!!  It spoke to all teachers and administrators in a way that only Denise can get away with. :)  She spoke her professional TRUTH!!  Only Denise can tell you the honest truth with a smile on her face and leave you wondering if she was fussing or being nice.  She's a gem and I'm proud to call her FRIEND!!

When she first saw me!

HUGS!!

Pointing to our friend, Suzanne.  She just knew that Suzanne had known I was coming.  I kept a GOOD secreat!

My former principal, Mrs. Bailey, with Denise and me.  Denise is still in shock!  :)

Me, Denise, and Suzanne.  Suzanne is my other AWESOME Augusta friend.  Love these two more than words can describe!

Chatting with Denise's principal prior to the start of the event.

Love my friend!

And this one, too!

The Turner Family. They truly do not make folks more genuine than this family.  I. Love. Them.

Suzanne, Denise, Debra (my former teaching assistant for 8 years!), and me.
My Wheeless Road Elementary friends.  We parted ways several years ago, but our friendships remain. 

My favorite photo of the night!  

So glad I made it to Augusta to witness Denise receiving such a great and well-deserved honor!