five year check up

For some reason, Violet decided she liked getting shots.  It happened when we went to see Dr. Evans for Tyson & Mia's 9 & 7 year check ups.  All 3 of them got flu shots at the end and they took them like total champs.  Violet has always wanted to do what her big siblings were doing so when they were tough about shots, she was determined to be tough with shots.  It became this thing when we left that day that Judd kids weren't afraid of shots.  Violet loves visiting the pediatrician's office and has never minded check ups but in the past she has minded shots.  Not any longer.

Her appointment was scheduled to be about 2 weeks after theirs and she asked me all the time how much longer it was until her "big kid shots".  It helped that we told her she had to have all those shots in order to go to school.  She had neighbor kids telling her shots hurt and they're the worst and she stood firm in the fact that they barely hurt and she liked getting them.

The day came and she was super eager to get dressed and ready for her doctor appointment.  It also happened to be the day of Halloween so she got to wear her bumblebee costume.  She looked absolutely adorable and that made it all the more exciting.

Everyone in the doctor's office went crazy over her and they even took her behind the counter to show off her costume to others.  She ate it up like a ham.  She was her usual talkative funny self when interacting with Dr. Evans and when it came time for the shots, she was such a big girl.  She flinched with each one but never shed a tear.  And when they were over, she hopped up with a smile on her face.

This girl.  She is one determined and brave little thing. So proud to be her momma.

her first day of dance class

Violet had been asking if she could take a dance class for quite awhile and we kept telling her she could when Mia went to school all day.  Well the time finally came and Violet's excitement was through the roof.  It was contagious and beautiful the way her face lit up when we talked about it and the way she asked me how many more days over and over.  Leading up to the big day, we went to Target and bought a new pretty black leotard and sweet sheer pink skirt to go over it.  She wore it all day long the first several days after we brought it home.

 

My Mom was visiting us on the day Violet had been waiting for which made it even sweeter.  She woke up excited and was ready way before time to leave.  She was bouncing off the walls in excitement and it was so fun to watch her glowing with anticipation.  We left early that day and arrived in plenty of time to get her ready.  We found out they would be doing tap first and we were able to buy the appropriate tap shoes right there on the spot which was great.

Her teacher is Ms. Judy and she is older with oodles of patience and wisdom to carry on gracefully with 11 4-5 year olds.  Violet loved her from day one.  Watching her in dance class that day was something I will never forget.  Her smile was lighting up the room and it was breathtaking.  I teared up a few times and was beyond proud at her courageous and joyful spirit in class that day.  She did everything as she was supposed to and hung on to Ms. Judy's every word while also observing her peers intently to make sure she was doing the right thing.

She ran out of that room with the biggest smile on her face so eager to show Grandma and I the stamps she received on both hands.  It was precious.  I was so proud of her and so emotional that we were even at this point with her.  As we left and I got her buckled in her carseat, I broke down and the tears came.  I had just experienced one of the last firsts with our baby girl.  It was amazing but so bittersweet.  I desperately wished I could rewind just a few days and experience all of her emotions leading up to that day all over again.

She still loves Ms. Judy and her dance class but that initial excitement has of course worn off.  She has made a few new friends from her class and tells me everything she learned about them in class as we drive home.  I am incredibly proud of her and the way she tackles new things with eagerness and joy, the way she makes new friends so easily and the way she listens and respects her teachers. And my heart nearly bursts when she remembers to thank her teacher on the way out of class without a reminder from me.

dear mia

Dear Mia Grace, 

I just can't get over that you are 7 years old.    

Oh goodness, sweetheart, you are so very loved.  You have grown into such a little lady over this past year.  Daddy and I are so very proud watching you make good choices and be your awesome little self.  We got so many notes last year from your kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Hebrank letting us know what an awesome example you are to your friends, how helpful you are, and how very sweet you are.  God gave you the biggest heart and we are in awe of the way you love others.  You have always been a little momma/caretaker and we've all wondered at some point how we would get along without you since you constantly remind us of stuff and keep us all in line.  You are an example in selflessness and often put your siblings and others in front of yourselves.  You just want everyone to be happy. You are an incredible asset to team Judd.

You love everything Momma sews for you, chili is one of your favorite meals but you aren't a huge fan of spaghetti, and you love to dance and sing in front of any captive audience.  You love to put on "shows" for us but lose patience if someone isn't paying full attention.  You remind me so much of me as a little girl. You are also strong, determined and feisty.  You once agreed to a plank contest with your Daddy and brother and lasted two whole minutes.  You were in it to win it even if that meant you fell down crying at the end. 

                     

You do school well.  You work hard at everything and it shows.  You befriended a sweet little girl (named Avery) who has Down Syndrome.  You spend your recesses with her and help her every chance you get.  You put skirts over your leggings for school just so you'll be able to sit down on the mulch with her at recess.  You told me that when you grow up you want to be a teacher of special needs kids.  Your teacher can't even believe your sweetness and how you play with her constantly no matter who else joins along.  You are such a special little girl that you can't help but be a blessing to those around you.  

You have been asking to take gymnastics for years now and one of these days soon, we will make that dream come true.  You love rollerblading, playing with dolls and Barbies, and baking with Momma.  You have made quesadillas for the family dinner a few times and you love it.  You take care of every little thing, even making sure the table is set and ready for us.  

You have a special love for your Great Grandma and will sit and listen to her ask you what your name is 100 times in the most patient and loving way.  It's precious and makes my heart so happy.  You love to visit with her and hear stories about her and you write or draw pictures of her at school every chance you get.  

We are crazy about you, Mia Grace and we can't wait to see what God has in store for your life.  We're so thankful to call you ours and watch you grow.  

Love you forever and ever no matter what, my sweet Mia.  

Mommy

xoxo

mia turns 7

Mia had quite a birthday this year!  It started off with Avery, Violet, and the neighbor girls celebrating her big time.  They dressed up fancy, decorated a wagon to be her "carriage", and took her on a ride to one of their houses where there was a dance party planned along with gifts.  It was the sweetest and I know it made Mia feel incredibly special.  

She requested "Mommy's pizza" for dinner, which is hilarious and awesome because it is store bought crust that even comes with the sauce.  It's super easy and she loves it.
The little lady chose cupcakes for dessert and of course, we had to have 7 pink candles to top it off.

She blew them out like a champ.

And then proceeded to lick the icing off every single one.

Avery made your birthday gifts this year and they were awesome.  She made you a mini "S" pillow for Samantha just like the "M" pillow you have and love.  She also made you a sweet little pincushion with an old spool and fabric leftover from your new dress.  They were such sweet thoughtful gifts and you were so happy about them.  

She got rollerblades for her birthday.  She hadn't asked for them, it was a surprise gift that I just had a feeling she would love.  She was so excited and has been practicing like crazy since.  

She was super shaky at first and wouldn't let go of one of us and then after just a couple days, she was gliding around like it was nothing.  Love her determination.

The one thing she had asked for was Samantha, the American Girl doll.  She told all of our families that all she wanted was money and gift cards so she could get her doll.  She got really close and then we took care of the rest.  So a few days after her birthday, Aunt Beth treated us to the in-store bistro birthday experience which is quite a treat!  They give her a seat for her doll, she gets a special cake with candles, gets sung to, the whole nine yards.  It's pretty special.  We had done it with Avery a few years ago and now it was Mia's turn.

She did not waver one bit on her doll choice like I thought she might once we were in the store.  She was determined to get Samantha and couldn't wait to bring her home.  

I was super excited about Mia's unicorn dress this year which I finished up the morning of her actual birthday.  Whew.  I was so happy to sew a mini version for Samantha so they could match and we brought it wish us so she could change her before lunch.

It really was an amazing day with our Mimi.  She was so sweet and quiet most of the day, just soaking it all in.  I was so thankful to have that opportunity and time with her.  

With so many people going out of their way to celebrate our girl, I couldn't help but feel incredibly blessed for all the love we have surrounding us. 

I know our Mia Grace felt so loved and celebrated, which is really what birthdays are all about.

dear tyson...

Dear Tyson,

Oh, buddy, you are my heart and soul.  I can't imagine not having you in my life.  Such a breath of fresh air you are.  You tell it like it is, so brutally honest at times but I am learning to appreciate that about you.  You are intelligent and have a case for and against anything and everything.  You challenge me daily and I am thankful that God uses you, my sweet boy, to grow me.

You read a lot and are really good at it but for whatever reason try to act cool about it, like it's not one of your favorite things.  You claim math as your first and only love at school.  Math comes so natural to you just like your Daddy.

Your favorite friend is Austin and it's pretty convenient since he is a neighbor.  You love spending time with him and you all are good at having fun doing just about anything.

You love to play video games of just about any kind so our 20 minute a day time limit really cramps your style.  You often ask to read to earn a few more minutes of screen time.  Currently, you are enjoying minecraft quite a bit on the iPad but your favorites change often so who knows what it will be next week.

You used birthday money to buy rollerblades and it was amazing how quickly you picked up the skill.  You are super good on those things know and you practice almost daily.  Mia got some for your birthday so it's sweet to watch you both learn and ride together.

You still say that your favorite thing to do is anything with Daddy.  You are his boy.  You love to ride your bike alongside him as he runs.  It's awesome because you have serious endurance so you can hang right with him however long his run may be.

You continue to be our earliest riser...unless you have lost screen time for some reason, your body knows to sleep in a bit.

You are awesome.  Your special teachers at school were so impressed with how friendly and kind you are.  You were always asking them how they're doing and they really appreciated it and they let me know that.  We're so proud of you and love that you share God's love in this way.

Happy 9th Birthday little buddy.  Now just try to slow down this growing up thing a little bit, will ya?

Buddy, I love you way more than you love me.  And I always will.

Love forever,
Mommy
xoxo

tyson turns 9

Our little summer boy turned nine which is completely mind-blowing.  We sure did have fun celebrating him and his awesomeness.

He sported his new Curry shirt and a fresh new fade on his special day.  He is the cutest. 

He is not a cake, ice cream, or cookies kind of guy so it's always donuts for him.

The kids always do special things for each other on their birthdays and it makes my heart feel like it could explode every time.  Sometimes they use their own money and purchase something and sometimes they use their creativity to make something special.  It's awesome.

Little buddy got a full sized basketball that he was pretty pumped about.

And a large new Nerf gun which would be the reason for the sea of nerf darts covering our floor.

We decided just a few days before his birthday to go camping that evening because it is something he loves to do.  We tried a new campground pretty close to home and had all kinds of adventures and fun.  

Several days later, he had a birthday sleepover with two friends and while they did not sleep much, they sure had a lot of fun.  They had nerf wars, played wii, ate hamburgers and hot dogs, donuts for breakfast, and played some basketball.  

Another fun birthday in the books and he claimed it was the best one yet.

mia plays soccer

Mia wanted to try soccer so we signed her up for the spring season and although it ended up not being her passion, we all had a lot of fun.  She was beyond excited before it began.  She would put on Avery's old uniform and "practice" at home.  She could not wait to be part of a team.  

Our sweet friend who is in basically in charge of the whole league hooked her up with an incredible coach so that made for a wonderful experience.  And the uniform was purple which she claims as her second favorite color so that was a win for sure.

She had quite the cheering squad for all the games.  They were the purple panthers so the others made a sign just for her to hold up at her first game.

That's a normal soccer pose, right?

She had some very special visitors during the season including her sweet kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Hebrank who did not live anywhere close to the fields but came anyway.  Mia was thrilled.  She had so thoughtfully gifted her that purple bow in her hair because she said every soccer player needed a good bow for her ponytail.  The sweetest.

The Heinbaugh cousins came to an unfortunately cold game to watch her play.  They're always happy to see their cousins! 

And the little end of season pizza party and award ceremony was adorable.  She got Most Improved which was neat and she was so proud.

Then there were purple cupcakes complete with soccer ball rings!

And riding through the parking lot hanging out of Daddy's car on a beautiful night was the icing on the cake.  What a sweet season it was.