A Brand New Day

Today was the first day of school for my kiddos.  Whew!  As you know, I have prayed and prayed and prayed about my kid's education, their teachers, their peers, what they are taught, etc.  We were blessed to have the most amazing experiences in Rockwall, so the thought of moving and putting the kids into a new school/school district was a cause for much more prayer (and a little worry, if I'm being honest here).  

Calleigh started her day bounding out of bed full of excitement.  She was so ready to start kindergarten.  She carried her new side backpack (she HAD to have one just like her brother's) and her new lunchbox (which looks a lot like a purse) into class.  She walked in and sat right down.  No tears.  No anxiety.  No worries.  She is a confident little girl.

Carson walked hand-in-hand with Michael to his class.  He was a little timid and shy, but was okay when it was time for us to leave him in class.  Going to a new school and having to meet new kids is overwhelming.  Not to mention aesthetic differences play a factor.  Gone is the huge building with all the hallways opening up to classrooms.  Now we have little buildings all around with the door to each classroom outside (think of Grease, Beverly Hills 90210) and they have picnic tables outside their class for snack time outside (that's cool!).

My prayer today was that my kids would have a positive experience with their first day at Big Springs Elementary and that they would meet one friend.  God not only answered that prayer, he provided over and above!  Both kids came out happy and talked about the TWO friends they each met!  Carson even said it was a better day than he expected.  Calleigh even said she didn't even miss me  :-)

I am very proud of my kids.  They stepped out of their comfort zone and walked into a world unknown.  They had fun and met two friends.  In my eyes, they are brave!

Tony Hawk Time

Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk seems to be at the forefront of Carson's mind these days.  Although he has never seen a picture of Tony Hawk or never seen him skateboard, he professes to be a Tony Hawk expert (thanks to owning two Tony Hawk swim trunks!).  While taking a break from swimming in the spa (which is a ginormous kiddie pool), Carson wanted to show me his best Tony Hawk pose.  And of course, Calleigh had to show me her best Tony Hawk's sister's pose.  Don't know if he even has a sister, but she had to find a way to throw herself into the mix.  At least she decided to wear her safety gear instead of just holding it like Carson.  Here you go:

My Babies are Growing Up

Just the other day I was broadsided with the fact that my kids are growing up incredibly fast.  Carson is tall.  He has this awesome tan.  His hands are huge!  He has great highlights in his long surfer-dude hair from our days at the beach.  Calleigh is stunning.  She wakes up every morning with a smile on her face.  She no longer has a baby face.  She is totally into clothes.  She sings all the time and dances around the house.  She has grown at least 2 inches this summer.  I love my kids and I love watching them grow.  They are great kids.  Here is a look back at how they've grown. . .

2003 - dressed for Halloween as a pumpkin and the incredible hulk

2004 - just trying to get them both to look at the camera and smile at the same time was fun

2005 - we always enjoyed our days at the Dallas Arboretum, picnics, playing in the water, running through the park

2007 - dressed for halloween as harry potter and dorothy

2008 - on the tram to Disneyland - Calleigh loves her big brother

That's My Man

Anderson guitar:  way too much $$

Amps and pedals and other guitar gear:  even more $$

Having a husband who can rock out on guitar:  priceless

Thoughts

Have you ever had to do something so difficult it made it hard for you to breathe?  Have you ever experienced a realization that you are completely out of your element and beyond any illusion of control?  Have you ever longed for the security of the "knowns" in your existence?

"For I know the plans I have for, declares the Lord.  Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and future."  Jeremiah 29:11

So I sit and trust in God's promise.  And despite my mood or my circumstances, I will continue to persevere in my search for knowing my God more intimately.

"I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. . .Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. . .The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.  The Lord upholds all whose who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. . ."  Psalm 145

My God knows.  My God understands.  My God overcame.

Great Kids

Carson

Calleigh

Cousins and best buddies - Carson and Tyler

Hooray for Hollywood

Ever since the kids learned we were moving to California, they have talked about going to Hollywood.  In their little minds, going to Hollywood is like winning the lottery.  Why?  Because of American Idol, of course.  "You're going to Hollywood!!!  (insert screams of joy)"  This week we have our family JD, Kim, Tyler, and Tanner in town to visit.  We've taken them to the beach, to Venice, to church, etc.  So today we took them to Hollywood.  What exactly is Hollywood?  Well, in the minds of our kids, Hollywood is. . .

seeing the Hollywood sign in the mountains

sipping root beer floats with Mickey Mouse at his soda shop

swinging with Elvis outside of a souvenir shop

the hand prints and foot prints of the main characters in Harry Potter

the Kodak Theater where American Idol is held

It was a fun day for all in the land of tourist wonder and city of dreams.  Now all the kids can say they have been to Hollywood.  It is definitely a place for all to experience when they visit.  Consider that your warning. . .we will take you to Hollywood now that we know where it is and what it encompasses.

Feeling the magic of Disneyland

We made our first trip to Disneyland since moving to SoCal.  I know, I can't believe we waited this long to go either.  But we finally decided to take the plunge, get our season passes, and enjoy a day of magic and wonder at Disneyland.  This was Carson's first trip to Disneyland, having been to Disney World twice already.  He was excited to finally get to experience what Calleigh experienced last summer.  Here we are on the tram ready to get to the park.  Aren't they cute?

We went with our friends Celeste and Colin and it was such an enjoyable day.  We spent the first half of the day at Disney's California Adventure riding the rides in A Bug's Life, waiting in line to ride the highly anticipated and well worth the wait 3D Toy Story Mania ride, riding the high-flying ferris wheel, and soaring across the US on the super cool flying simulator called Soarin'.  

Carson driving the doodle bug bumper cars

Carson, Calleigh, and Colin in their 3D glasses

Talking with Mr. Potato Head while waiting for the Toy Story ride

We spent the second half of the day at Disneyland.  We rode cool rides like Buzz Lightyear, Nemo's Adventure (a submarine ride!), and Peter Pan.  The Indiana Jones ride was not working, so we just took a picture of the kids running away from the big boulder.  We also watched Jedi Training - this really cool "show" where they pull kids from the audience, dress them in Star Wars Jedi costumes, and teach them how to use their light sabers.  Then the infamous Darth Vader and his Storm Troopers come out and challenge the new Jedi in a light saber battle.  It was so cool!  Carson loved it and wants to be one of the kids chosen when we go back to the park next week.  Yes, we are going back next week.  Our family and friends, the other Crumrine family, will be here to visit for the first time and we are taking them to Disneyland while they are here.  

Carson, Calleigh, and Colin in front of the castle and statue of Walt Disney & Mickey.

Making fishy faces while waiting for the Nemo ride

Darth entering the stage at Jedi training

Watch out for the rock!

It was a great day for all.  We ended up spending the whole day at Disneyland and practically closing down the park.  The kids had a fabulous time, were full of energy the entire day, and were in the best moods all day.  I can not wait to go again next week.