First Day of First Grade

Olivia made it to her first day of first grade... barely. We left in time to make it, but I completely underestimated the traffic. It took us forever to go one mile. Plus parking was a mess. We didn't make it to back to school night and had NO idea where her classroom was. I went in the general direction I thought was good. I found the first grade board posted out in the hall... but couldn't find Mrs. Fletcher's class. Fortunately we ran into Miss Patten Olivia's Kindergarten teacher. Liv was so happy to see her and she helped us find the classroom which was around the corner and across the hall from all the other classes. Yeah! We were late, but she wasn't the last one there. Much to my happiness. I was a ball of anxiety. Just walking in that building made my elementary anxiety come rushing back. I hated the first day of school when I was growing up. Olivia was grinning from ear to ear she was so excited! I ALMOST broke down on the way home in the car, getting choked up that I would be without her all day long. But, I'm proud for not actually shedding a tear.

Jorja and I enjoyed our morning playing together. But, it was still very weird. The first hour Liv was gone Jorja kept asking for her sister. She just didn't get it. Olivia was very brave and wanted to walk home all by herself. She was happy to report first thing that she ran into Andy on the way home walking and gave him my phone number so they could get together and play. We have a play date set up for tomorrow after school. They are going to walk home together after meeting at the flag pole. SO CUTE! Grandma Launi surprised Liv by being here when she got home. After hearing about her day we all headed to Burger Stop (Olivia's choice) to get a bite to eat to celebrate. Olivia chose a corn dog(seriously, she is my child!). We are very happy to have Grandma Launi back home. We had a mellow evening of going through her hundreds of papers for me to fill out and making sure things were cleaned up for Andy to come over. She talked endlessly of all the fun she had. She likes her new teacher Mrs Fletcher and she made good choices at lunch. She was SO happy to see all her friends. I'm glad the first day is over. I look forward to getting into our new routine, which I have been very stressed about. The reality will start next week when I go back to a normal work schedule. This week I only work Thursday night and will be out of it Friday morning only. Grandma Launi is going to come spend the night here with the girls since Josh is in California working all week. We are sad to have him gone and look forward to having him home this weekend.
I only got ONE picture since we were running so late and my battery died on the camera. My bad. She was so cute with her big smile on all day. I am very glad that she enjoys school so much, unlike me. But, I'm sad to have her gone so long. It was just too weird without her here this morning. Too quiet. Plus, they went to bed early. I have taken the chance to catch up on blogging, when I should be doing dishes. Hee hee. Hope everyone else has adjusted well with the end of Summer, which went by WAY too fast, and the start of School.

Seeing Red

Thought I should post the cute pictures of us in our Red Dresses!


This is the picture of Andra and I hanging on my fridge. It's tiny. I'm in need of a larger version that I can scan properly.


Jorja at great Grandma Witt's funeral. Jorja 20 months.


Olivia, Christmas of 2004. She was almost 23 months old.

More than a Great Grandma!

Heads Up, Lot of Pictures!

I am sad to say that I'm barely getting around to posting about my Grandma Witt's funeral. It was sad and wonderful at the same time! To have the family all together was wonderful. I'm so glad I was able to see everyone who came. We went to my moms cabin a couple days before and just headed to Venice the morning of the funeral. Thank to my moms friend Corrine who let shower at her place! We put the girls hair up in curlers the night before. Which was pretty funny.





I had never done that to Jorja and she couldn't sleep with them in. She would rest for only ten minutes than sit up and rip out a curler before crashing back down. We put them back in and her hair turned out super cute.

It was very much a sign that the only dress Jorja fit into was my old red dress. She was super cute running around in that dress.




It's a pretty famous dress on that side of the family. My amazing cousin Andra and I had matching dresses that our mothers had made for us. My great grandpa and grandma Witt gave us the red fabric. We have this super cute picture of the two of us... the crazy thing is EVERYONE has that pictures. Family I hardly know... always remember Andra and I because of the red dresses. I have had comments about it my whole life. I have that picture of us on my fridge. I am very grateful that my girls have also been able to wear that dress! It means a lot to me that Jorja wore it to Grandma's Funeral. Full Circle.

Grandma's funeral was perfect. Having the family all together was wonderful. Everyone captured the amazing person that Grandma is. She had a beautiful purple coffin with her family close, her chicken and quilts surrounding her, it was beautiful. My Dad said a very short and poignant prayer before closing the casket. It was perfect. I thank everyone who got up and spoke and participated in the services. It was beautiful and wonderful to remember the amazing woman that she is. She leaves behind an amazing legacy. She was an angel and always so happy to see you! She loved people and showered her joy on everyone around her. I'm very lucky to have known my Great Grandma and I will miss her dearly.


Olivia started getting sick in the middle of the graveside service. It was so hot out there and she just got over heated. Once she got some water and cooled down she was good to go. We had a lovely lunch back at the church and it was fun to sit and visit with everyone.



My Mom and Aunt Pam... Pam was my moms Maid of Honor at my mom and dad's wedding. She married my grandpa's little brother my great uncle Von. Mom really enjoyed catching up with her old friend.

My aunt Karen and her newest Grandbaby. So cute miss Kiya is!

Blake, Lindz and Jaye visiting.

Uncle Doug and my Daddy

We migrated over to Grandma and Grandpa Marshall's house to visit for a bit. I love The Ranch. It is such an amazing place. The feel of it there is so calming and peaceful. I have lots of happy memories there. I could so live there! Grandma took Liv and Jorja over to see the bunnies before we left. Jorja refused to take a nap and was running around like a chicken with her head cut off. She was out cold before we hit the main road once in her car seat. It was great fun to catch up with the family. We just don't all get together like that much anymore.


Grandma Marshall and her newest grandbaby... he is technically my cousin.

The girls playing poly pocket.


Dad and Sherry (She brought her youngest daughter and I actually got to meet one of her kids. Yeah... it's about time!)


Me, Mom and Andra

Me, Marci and Andra... would have been perfect if Shanna would have been able to make it. The four of us are really close in age and grew up having loads of fun together!

Jeneece, Andra, Me and Marci hanging out. Gotta love my cousins! They are wonderful and so dang cute! Don't mind my bright WHITE legs. They don't see the sun much.

Blake and Andra

Liv and Jorja being goofy.



My Aunt Amanda and her sister-in- law Angie.


Some nice pictures in front of the old ranch house.





Four Generations. Grandma and Grandpa Marshall, My Daddy, Me, Olivia and Jorja.


The bunnies were SO cute!



Grandpa Marshall, Uncle Kevin and his cute wife and my Daddy just hanging out in front of Grandma and Grandpas house.

Jorja and I being goofy. Oh What A Happy day it was to be with my family!

I hope to make a visit down to see Grandma and Grandpa Marshall again soon. It had been way too long since we made it there. I look forward to sharing that trip with Josh. He didn't make it to the funeral with us. He stayed home to take his class that had already been paid for. It was a rough time for us but I really wish he could have been there to share it with us.

Mom and I eventually made it back to the cabin and stayed the rest of the weekend. It was nice to not rush home and have lots to worry about. The cabin was very healing.

Paper Bag

My cousins son came home from his first day of school with a great assignment. Pick eight things that represent you and put them in a paper bag. He picked some great things... and then my cousin Neecer shared what she would put in her paper bad.

Here is my list.

1. Wedding Ring. Because all that it represents. Finding my other half and the commitment we made to each other for always. For the love we share.

2. A picture of my family. My girls are my world and my life revolves around my family. I Love them endlessly.

3. A book... my favorite book Loosing Julia by Jonathan Hull. I love its life story and what it represents. I love to read. I love to get lost in a good story.

4. My family cookbook. I love to cook and I love to have my family around to share good food with. It's a wonderful time to think and slow down a bit when making a good dish. Plus, it connects me to my family. I learned/learn to cook from the amazing people in my life.

5. My pillow. (I will make it fit into my bag!) I love good sleep! I love to be in my bed hanging out all cozy under the blankets.

6. A copy of my favorite painting by Van Gogh. To inspire and humble me. I never want to leave the love of art behind. In any form.

7. My Camera. I never want to miss a thing! I want to always have a way to capture the moment and be able to come back and see that picture to re-live it again. I love pictures and I want to remember all the amazing moments in my life. I'm very sentimental.

8. My flip flops. I love to be comfortable and I hate confining shoes. I must be comfortable along this journey through life. Plus, I think feet are amazing. They are our foundation and still move us through this adventure. So, be nicer to your feet!


So I put it to you...what are the 8 things in your bag????