Best Friends

Everyone needs a best friend no matter how old you are. One that laughs at your jokes even when they may not be funny to anyone else. One to dress up with. One to share ice cream with. One to wipe your face when you have the leftovers of chocolate on it. One to hug you when you fall down or make a mistake and tell you its going to be okay. One who comes to your defense when your feelings have been hurt and then helps you to remember that that person probably didn't mean to hurt your feelings. One who helps you to want to become a better person and then truly helps you to become that person. One to share in your happiness and knows the trials of getting to that point. One to help those rainy days become sunny again. Each of us needs that person and we thank Heavenly Father for those "Friends who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly."

Ainsley's best friend is Olivia. In primary one day Ainsley was the spotlight child. The primary counselor started to read hints about Ainsley (without anyone knowing it was her). She got to the point about Ainsley's best friend and said that her name was Olivia. Ainsley quickly spoke up for everyone to hear and said "Hey, Olivia is MY BEST FRIEND." We then explained that it was about her. She smiled from ear to ear. Olivia, we are so grateful that you are Ainsley's best friend. You will never know how many days you have brightened. And thanks for always being there for her and picking her up when she falls down. We love you Olivia!!! (And most importantly thanks Jessica for setting such a great example of being a best friend for Olivia . . . she truly learned from the master, hugs and kisses!!!)

No Wiggling on My Mat and Pinky Promises

Ainsley's first week of preschool was exciting and a learning experience. The children receive frog's to chart their behavior. The goal is to keep your frog on green. That means you have been well behaved all day. For the first couple of days when I went to pick Ainsley up her frog was on yellow. That is the first color you receive after green. Her teacher told us not to worry about the colors the first week and that it would be a transition for everyone. Well, I asked Ainsley why her frog was on yellow or as she says it "lellow." She told me because she "wiggled" on her resting mat. She decided instead of resting like all of the other children she would make this a social time. Every day we talked about how we needed to be still and rest like the other children during rest time. She didn't have to go to sleep just rest. At the end of the week if they have been on green they get to go to the treasure box. On Thursday (the end of their week) I went to pick Ainsley up and I didn't even recognize her. She had pulled out her ponytails and had the ribbons in her hands. Her teacher looked at me and said that she was upset because she didn't get to go to the treasure box. I took Ainsley's hand and we left her room. I asked her questions about her day but she said she didn't want to talk right then. During the long weekend we talked about why she needed to listen to her teacher and we made a "pinky promise" that she would stay on her mat. On Tuesday morning we again made that "pinky promise" just to remind her. Well, SHE DID IT!!! She was so proud of herself. I am sure we will see another "lellow frog" again but for right now I am grateful for "pinky promises."

1st Day of 5th Grade and Preschool

I am a little late getting this posting but as I always say "better late than never." Since the girls started school it has been one big whirlwind. I can't believe that Ashlynn is actually in 5th grade and that Ainsley is in her first year of Preschool. Where has the time gone??? I was looking back at pictures when Ashlynn was Ainsley's age and it truly seems like yesterday. The little girl with her flipped hair has now turned into a beautiful girl with straightened hair (thanks to our flat iron -- we are now on the second one) and sometimes in a pony tail with a ribbon in it. Ashlynn is such a wonderful example to her little sister. We call her the "Queen" and Ainsley is her "Princess." Don't ask me what they makes me (The Old Ancient Queen). Trust me, we don't let those titles get to their heads. Those tiaras come off just as easily as they are put on.

I just can't believe only one more year of Elementary School. I don't think I am ready for Middle School. At least I have a year to get ready (mentally). Both Ainsley and Ashlynn were so ready for school. We had a wonderful summer full of fun and entertainment but I think all of us were ready for a schedule.

Last year Ashlynn complained that her book bag was not big enough to carry all of her books so this year I made sure she had no excuses. Her bag is basically as big as a piece of luggage. Thank goodness for rolling bookbags.

Can you see the excitement in her face. She has been looking forward to this day for a long time. She was born ready to go to preschool. It was a little sad the day she found out that I would be her school bus and that she would not be riding one like Ashlynn. All summer she would pray "that she could go to preschool soon."

This is Ainsley in her classroom. I asked if I could help her put up her lunchbox but she said "no I think I will hold onto it for just a little while." I think she was worried that they might not feed her and wanted to make sure it was close at hand.

Okay I know what you are thinking "that bookbag is as big as she is" and trust me those are the comments that we heard on the way into her classroom. Her teacher told us to make sure the kids had a full sized bookbag large enough to carry a three-ring notebook. I carried her notebook and this was the size that it fit into. Little did I know that she would not be bringing home her notebook every day. Oh well, she loves it and we will get a few years out of it. Ainsley's only requirement was that it had to be pink. Her wish was granted.

I did pretty well and put the game face on the morning I took her. The waterworks started after I pulled out of the parking lot. I think it finally hit me that she was growing up. I am sure there will be more waterworks in the future with both of my girls. How lucky I am to have them in my life. They have inherited their father's gift of making others smile with laughter.

Ainsley's 1st Primary Talk

Ainsley gave her first Primary talk a couple of weeks ago. She did a great job and had the children laughing as she tried hard to pronounce each word correctly. It didn't seem to bother her and even said later in the day that "she did a good job." It seems like yesterday I was taking her into the nursery and today she is a sunbeam giving talks.

Our Vacation at Hilton Head Island

(Almost a family picture --Ashlynn trying out her photography skills)

We had another great beach vacation at Hilton Head Island this summer. Every day was filled with something to do including going to the beach first thing in the morning, going back for a dip in the pool and then riding bikes on the great bikes trails, golf courses (not in use at the time) and along the beach. We found a back way to go to Savannah, GA when we went last month for our Anniversary so we took the girls there one day for a ride on the Ferry Boat and to shop on the riverfront. Doug bought each of us a rose made out of palm leaves that is known like the ladies making the sweet grass baskets at the Market in Charleston. We also brought their Easter dresses to take pictures on the beach. (We had them wear white shrugs with them at church.) Two years ago we did the same thing but wanted up-to-date pictures. It was amazing looking the the two years difference since we took some of the same poses we did last time. Yes, our girls are growing up too fast. It was another fun trip and made lots of great memories.

Ainsley and Ashlynn (being patient and posing)

"Best Friends"

(at least for the moment)

"Oh that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people!" (Alma 29:1)

"Best Friends II"

Ashlynn and Ainsley riding on the ferry boat in Savannah, GA

Wating for the ferry boat to come in Savannah, GA

Ainsley, Ashlynn and Kim Taking a Break on the Beach

Doug, Ainsley and Ashlynn Taking a Break at McDonalds

Our Sandcastle

(architectural design by Doug)

Ainsley Gets Green Light to be on CCL Swim Team

Ainsley has been taking swim lessons this week with Ashlynn's swim coach and did so well that she was approved to be on the Country Club of Lexington's swim team beginning in the spring. We are so excited. Ainsley was very patient every morning this summer watching the swim team and obviously taking notes. Her swim coach said that she had never seen someone this age that really enjoyed swimming and was even trying to dive. She was also impressed with Ainsley's attention span. We still have to practice throughout the summer. Ashlynn was also excited to hear the news. Look out Ashlynn she just may pass you in the water.

The "serious swimmer." Love those goggles.

Ainsley swimming like a pro . . . or at least trying.

I Love School Supplies

Don't you just love school supplies? Ever since I was a little girl, I loved school supplies. This week we went and bought school supplies for Ashlynn to go to 5th grade and Ainsley to go to Preschool but somehow my cart did not consist of just things that were on their lists. Who can resist Crayons for .25 and Markers for $1.00 not to mention glue sticks -- can you really have enough glue sticks??? What about notepads, pencils and and then don't forget the colored pencils. This year I did a little better (I still have a stock of crayons, pencils and markers from last years shopping trip). Last year as I was checking out the lady in front of me looked at my basket and asked if I was a teacher. I giggled a little bit and said no, but thank you for the compliment. I have lots of good friends who are teachers.

I remember going to visit my dad at work and sitting at his secretary's desk and looking at the pens, highlighters, post-it-notes and liquid paper (do they even sell liquid paper anymore -- they used to have all kinds of colors). I thought how wonderful it would be to be a secretary and use all of these neat office supplies. One of the greatest presents I remember receiving (not the greatest but you get my drift) was when my dad brought home a huge box of colored pencils and markers. I had every color you could imagine. I thought that the most wonderful jobs I could ever have would be to work at a stationery/office supply store or at a Hallmark store (I also have a love for stationery and note cards but that is another entirely different blog note).

I love the season fall and one of my favorite movies is YOU'VE GOT MAIL. Do you remember Meg Ryan walking along the streets of New York in late September going to her book store and saying that she loved the fall with school supplies and freshly sharpened pencils. That is me to the tee. I hope you fellow "school supply lovers" will enjoy this time of year with me.