Saturday, August 29, 2009

Not a Baby Anymore...

Allyson has grown up so much. It's sad in a way that my baby just isn't a baby anymore. But, it's also exciting to see how much she's learning and how she is developing.


She blows me away at times with the things she says!


Here's her first day going to her three-year old class at daycare.




But, even though she's getting older, I can still see traces of our little baby.




Monday was her birthday, but her birthday party was last Saturday.



It was an Ariel pool party.




Cheryl Meeks made her cake. She made little shells, stingrays, and other sea "tings" that were all edible. She's very talented.





The party was at Melissa & Jody Cagle's house. Someone asked us when we moved into this house. We were like, "We wish!"


I worried all week that it would rain! It was very overcast that morning. I guess the Lord was listening when I prayed the clouds would go away. They sure did and it got HOT!!







Time to sing!!


















Our family




Time to open gifts...








We had to take a break in the middle of opening gifts. Allyson was just slightly overwhelmed and thirsty!


Back to presents!


She opened several dress-up things. Her gift from Mommy & Daddy was a Disney Princess bike.


My sweet sister and nephew


After the party, our families came over for pizza and for my sister to open her gifts. Her birthday had been the Wednesday before. (See my previous post)


The kids played.



Josh tried on the gun belt.


************************************

On her birthday...


We took a few pictures before school. Since it was her birthday, I let her wear her tiara.





I took snacks to her class. She's passing out Ariel napkins.


I took Little Debbie brownies, grapes, and Capri Suns.



Here's Allyson with her teachers, Ms. Brittany and Ms. Kelli


Can you believe she will start Pre-K next year? I try not to think about it!


That evening, I set a Princess table.








We had Allyson's favorites: Mac-n-cheese, fried chicken, and corn.




We had to change to get ready to go to our first gymnastics class.



Blow out the candles!



Little glamour girl with purse and sunglasses



Her teacher said she did well, but we have to work on some things like listening and taking turns. Well, she is the youngest in the class!


The next day, she went to the doctor for her three-year old check up. We were told that she is average in height and weight, but developmentally she is beyond average, she's more like 5! The doctor said she has certainly had enough alone time if we're ready for number two!


She just not a baby anymore!

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

A Special Tribute...

My sweet sister turns 26 tomorrow.
And, I have to admit, I have not always been the best sister to her.

We have fought and yelled at each other in the past. I know we are still healing.

I have realized that I am so lucky to have a sister. I'm especially lucky to have
Robbi Schliebner Blackerby
as my sister.

My sister is so sweet. She would do anything for anybody, if she knew there was a need.



She's fun and funny. And, just beautiful...
Her smile brightens a room.


My sister found her purpose in life when she became a mom.
She's a wonderful mother. She wants the best for her child and she will fight to the death to protect him.
Caleb is a very lucky little guy to have the mom he has.



Robbi is a devoted wife and mother.
She never gives up.



She loves her neices and nephew.

She loves her parents and in-laws. She believes everyone should love family the way she does.


Her laughter is like birds singing. You have to laugh along.


She's happiest when with family and friends. If she's stressed, you wouldn't know.






I remember the day she was born. I was almost seven. I was so happy that I finally had a sister! So happy that I couldn't even think straight. I called her a "blue-bee" because I was too excited to remember the word "baby."
Again, I haven't been the best sister.
I've let her down.
I've disagreed.
I've been less than nice.
All those things I'm so sorry for.
In my prayers, I've asked for a closer relationship.
I just hope that Robbi wants the same.




"In the cookies of life, sisters are the chocolate chips."
-Author Unknown


"How do people make it through life without a sister? "
-Sara Corpening
Happy Birthday to my sister, my friend!
I love you!
Dawn