Friday, October 31, 2008

Happy Halloween!





Avery had her first school party today and, boy was it a hoot. I was able to join in on the fun, a little late, but just in time for goodies, games, and dancing. It was fun getting to see more of the friends that Avery talks about and some of their moms.
The little girl sitting by Ave in one of the pictures is her best friend at school, Katelynn. They are best buds and whenever Katelynn sees Avery in the morning, she runs up to her and greets her with a big hug and a "Hi Avery!" It makes Ave's morning and I am so glad she has a good friend to welcome her to class! Every once in awhile, the girls have to be separated from eachother during naptime, as they are little chatterbugs that keep all the other kids up.
I loved being able to see Avery in the school setting and how she interacts with everyone in that environment. I am so glad she likes her school and her friends!

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Poor college student

So, everyone knows the economy's not in the greatest shape...Kinda a scary time to be in school but also a great time to be in school, especially for nursing...I am glad I know I'll be able to find a job after school...My education is probably the best investment I could make right now...

Just received a random e-mail from my school's financial aid office...Over the summer, I had applied for a bunch of different scholarhips along with financial aid..At that time, I was more than happy to find out that I would receive pell grants to more than cover my tuition and $200 a month to help with Avery's daycare costs...Since then, I've just been trying to change my money spending habits and live with less. I knew I wouldn't be able to go to school full time, work full time, and be a single mom full time...And that would just not be fair to Avery...So, I am o.k. with burning up my savings as long as I get through school debt free...So, TODAY- I open up this e-mail and find out that I was given a nursing scholarship for $1500 this semester and would more than likely receive another scholarship for the spring! Such wonderful news.....Just another example of how much Heavenly Father is aware of our situation and has helped ease my worries! I am grateful!

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

A GREAT WEEK!







Well, this week has been a blast...I don't even know where to begin. Last week, we went with my friend-Ruth, sister-April, and kids to the Texas state fair. We had so much fun tasting the food, seeing the animals, going on rides, and watching the kids help out on a play farm.

All in all, the day was exhausting...But, later that night....We went to a wonderful show. My sister, April, had given my mom and I tickets for the Broadoway show-The Color Purple. I am a huge fan of live shows and musicals, so I have been eagerly anticipating the month of October for this very reason. I had never seen the movie but had heard a lot of great things about the story. I was not dissapointed in the least bit. It was a wonderful story about a girl that had to deal with trials upon trials in her life but learned to put her trust in God and never forget the love of her sister. At a low point in the main character's life, she is told to remember God when she sees the color purple in a beautiful sky...What a simple way of stating how important it is to see Heavenly Father's hand in the small wonders of our life...It also helped me to see some perspective...My life is not perfect but its not hard. I am blessed to have a wonderful Heavenly Father that knows my worries, frustrations, and desires....and family that is supportive of my choices and dreams...including a wonderful sister! Thanks April for the memorable night!

We are now officially into our mid-semester point in school and were given a fall break with one day off from lecture this week...Avery was able to stay home with me for four days! We had a lot of fun and had a visit from our friends from Utah. We went to a state park for a picnic on Sunday and took them to the Dallas Arboretum on Monday where we enjoyed the kids concert and the fall festivities around the park.
Time is flying by and I am loving this season!

Looking like a big girl




I'm well aware that this blog has quickly turned into an Avery blog...What can I say? Its pretty much the Avery Show at our house, all the time...But, I love it! This little girl of mine is quickly becoming a very big girl...It took some time for me to come to terms that Avery will be 3 in a matter a month or so...But, after strangers upon strangers have asked me "Is she 3 or 4" I'm starting to see/accept the transformation from toddlerhood that seemed to have taken place overnight. Here are some recent pictures to prove my case...Avery desperately wants a princess bike (w/training wheels) for her birthday...She had a tricycle that had a pushing attachment that I would use to assist her efforts. I told Avery she had to start pedaling on her bike so that she would be ready for a big girl bike so we took out the extra piece...And here you have it. She is now "too cool for school" on this little tricycle...I also love this picture with Avery and her pj's...She is usually the morning sunshine on days that we don't have to get up early for school and this is just a classic example.

Sunday, October 5, 2008

My new guy


Had to post some pics of my little nephew, Tanner(Click on the above pic to enlarge-sorry so small). I love getting to hold/babysit/love him as much as possible...Its also been fun just watching April be a mom- she's a natural. Avery also adores Tanner to pieces...She likes to hold him, assist with the diaper/clothes changing, and show him how to play with his toys properly. She is also really good at getting him to smile!

The big time


Friday, I took Ave to our little town's annual Fall Festival...We had a great time. My favorite part was watching Ave come alive as she enjoyed the carnival rides, food, music, and animals.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

New skill

Well, I finally came to the realization that I can record videos on my camera...How exciting! So, here it the first video I captured of Ave and I playing in her room...As you will hear, my daughter is actually tryin to get me to take a nap...She enjoys role reversal a little too much but I'm not sure why I refused...