Let the Games Begin

He's finished! It's over! We're DONE!! Well, not really. He still has to study for and take the BAR exam, BUT . . . my husband is a law school graduate. You may now refer to him as Ryan Payne, Esquire. Which makes me Mrs. Payne, Esquire, right?! We've had a super busy couple of days with all the graduation festivities, so I'll share pictures as I have time to post. Here are a few from a reception we went to at the law school:

You know you're at a great reception when there are ice sculptures!

I'm so glad Ryan's parents are here this weekend to share in all the celebratory fun! Can you tell who else is really excited to have them around? Look at that face!

"I want that one, Daddy. And that one. And that one."
Rooke has recently discovered that he really likes parties. To my 2-year-old son, party=good food and lots of it.

She and I have stuck close together. She's been a trouper with a couple days of random naps and lots of new people/places.

The Countdown Continues

Four days to go . . . four days and my husband will be a law school GRADUATE! And tomorrow evening is almost as exciting because he takes his last final. The last one. Are you getting this, folks?!

And since I think blog posts are way more fun with pictures, here is my super cute and active, I'd-rather-try-and-sit-up-than-recline-and-relax-daughter.

"I can get it. I know I can!"

"Thanks, Mom. I much prefer standing anyway."

Happy Mother's Day!

I had a wonderful day yesterday - thank you, sweet Husband, for working hard to make me feel special in the middle of your finals! Ryan whisked Rooke away as soon as they were both awake and returned with a delicious breakfast and beautiful flowers.

At church, we dedicated both Rooke and Gretchen. We had a dedication time for Rooke with our community group a while ago, but decided to include him as we stood before the church on Sunday. We read Philippians 4:12-13 for Rooke and Hebrews 11:6 for Gretchen. It was a special time for our family and a good reminder that our children are a gift (even on days, like today, when I get pooped AND peed on!).

I love being Rooke and Gretchen's mommy.

Earlier in the weekend, a few of my friends from MOPS came over for a "Little Dresses" party. Jessie is showing off her handiwork from the night. We made dresses out of pillow cases for orphan girls in Africa. Click here to find more information on the organization and then throw a Little Dresses party for your friends!

And finally, I just need to let you all in on the most exciting thing happening for our family this week . . . Ryan (AKA the man of my dreams) graduates from law school on Saturday.

Let me say that again.

RYAN GRADUATES FROM LAW SCHOOL ON SATURDAY.

Let it sink in.

Three years.

This Saturday.

Done.

DONE!

Well, kinda. He still has to study for and take the BAR exam. But he will be finished with classes. Let the countdown begin . . . five days to go (and only two days until his last final).

The Hike

We joined our neighbors and partners in crime for a beautiful hike (walk, really) on a nearby mountain (hill, really). There are seven kids between the three of us and Rooke is the youngest of the bunch (besides the babies). He did really well keeping up with the big kids. I think it helped that our snack break was almost as long as the hike itself! Gretchen loved being close to Mom all morning.

Getting ready to head out. How cool is my son (don't look at his white socks)?!

"Um, guys . . . shouldn't we be going that way?"

We pulled up the rear

Doing a little rock dancing

Even a Child

If you are at all interested in helping your kids memorize verses from the Bible, you should get this CD (especially if they are toddlers). I came across it at our library and, at the time, had no idea how beneficial it would be in our home. Rooke loves listening to the songs (almost as much as he likes listening to his Uncle Scott's music!) and by playing it on a regular basis throughout our home, he and I both are learning verses. If the video doesn't convince you, listen to this sermon. (And here is another great resource for Bible verses put to song)

Rookeisms

"Here's your ipot, Daddy!"

"Hey, can you move those walls? I want my motorcycle to go outside."

Commenting on two women talking loudly with each other:
Rooke: "That mommy is yelling at the other mommy."
Me: "What other mommy?"
Rooke: "No, not the edamame . . . the other mommy!"

Where's Gretchen?

Looking back over the past few posts, I realized that Gretchen's been inadvertently left out. Sorry, Baby Girl. She's been pretty sick for the past two weeks, but is surprisingly still fairly content and happy when she's awake. She is quick to smile and tries to get everything in her mouth these days.

She's very intent and focused while watching Rooke play:

The best part of waking up (she's like this almost every morning!):

She loves her bath!

Big Boy

Rooke's been sleeping in his Big Boy bed for about a month now (it hardly ever looks this nice!) and has done great with the transition.

You know a good friend when you get a call about a "bargain alert" that must be checked out. Thanks, Sarah, for tipping us off on these building blocks that were 12/$1.00! I love a good deal, especially when it makes one of my kids happy.

I love my Daddy because . . .

He reads me books before I have to go to sleep.

Even when he's tired, too.

He took me for a surprise lunch to McDonalds to get my first Happy Meal.

And let me drink the entire juice box without watering it down like Mom does.

He goes to school close enough that I can walk with Mommy and Gretchen to see him

And his school has a fountain I can play in!

When I get to his school, he takes a break from studying and lets me practice jumping

He's really good at catching me

. . . even though he has to work and go to school and doesn't get much sleep, he still has lots of energy to play with me when I want to wrestle or chase. He's the best daddy ever.

Chillin' at Home

We had a sick bug visiting this week. No fun. We tried to keep things interesting at home:

Yay for paint dots and stickers! Rooke isn't much into "crafts", but enjoyed this large cardboard canvas. Although most of the stickers ended up on my shirt.

His most recent discovery: toe jam. I know. Gross. He's obsessed. He checks his toes at least three times a day and has started checking Gretchen's toe jam too. Today he called me in from the other room and said, "Look at this huge toe jam, Mommy!" Awesome.

She likes watching Rooke play with his cars and trains

He fell asleep watching Cars (the movie) for the first time (that's what we get to do on really sick days!).