2 years and a new baby later....I'm back!!

My gosh how things have changed!  My last entry I was preparing Tanner (well, myself actually) to start kindergarten.  Yesterday he just started 2nd grade!  Whew, those last few years have flown by!!  Tanner has grown so much, physically, mentally, spiritually, and religiously.  He is by far the wittiest and most charismatic child I have ever met.  He never fails to make me smile and has the most tender heart.  Sigh.  I could go on and on about that boy....couldn't most moms?

In March, T took on the very important role of "big brother", and let me tell you, he does an amazing job at it!  Dawson Raymond Ricco joined our family on March 21st, 2012.  He is the sweetest, most content baby I've ever seen.  He always greets you with a warm, slobbery smile that just makes your heart melt.  Who knew one little life could make a family so complete?

So, what else has changed over the last 2 years?  I've lost a few pounds and gained a few back....we've moved from the country into town.....I've gotten engaged.....we are getting married in less than 2 months.  WAIT....what?!  Married?  Me??  YEP!  Tanner is so excited that I'll finally have the same last name as everyone else....and it will sure make all those school forms easier :). 

And since we tend to do things a little out of the norm, why start now?  Viva Las Vegas....here we come!

Bittersweet...

As I'm preparing these cute presents for Tanner's teachers for his last day, it suddenly clicked in my head, "OMG...tomorrow is Tanner's very last day of preschool!!!"

(Cue panic attack)

Holy cow...how did that happen?? I know, I know, every parent goes through this, but seriously...how did that happen?!? I can't believe that tomorrow will be the very last time that my baby will climb the stairs to an amazing adventureland of learning and friends and toys and excitement. It just baffles me that this time has come. And even more so, that in a few short months my baby will take his first step into elementary school.

My son knows his letters and numbers. He can read a handful of words, write his name, and do simple addition. He loves books and learning and making new friends. I have no doubt he is going to excel...in fact, I am certain.

They have all kinds of checklists to make sure he is all set for kindergarten....but where is one for mama? How do I prepare myself to drop him off to a new classroom with a new teacher and new friends? How do I keep my emotions hidden so that he can remain excited and confident? Is it ok if I cry?

Whether I'm ready or not, the big day is just around the corner. No doubt the summer will go by in a blur.....just like the last 5 years.

♥ Perfect ♥

With one busy weekend down, and one more to go, I needed a relaxing evening...and that's just what I got last night. About 4:30 Dad said, "Let's Go!". T and I hopped in the truck and we all went to supper, then drove around looking at the fields and all the water, and finished it all with a trip to town for an ice cream cone :)

Love my life!

Peanut Butter

Music has always been a big part in my Grandmas life. Some of my best childhood memories are of her playing the piano and singing along. She has always had the most beautiful voice. When I was little she would tape record little songs I would sing, and now she's started the same thing with Tanner. And when we go to visit, she always asks him if he knows any new songs. Tonight she taught him a new one and he's sang it non-stop since. I can't help but smile, remembering she taught me the same thing.....

Peanut sat on a railroad track, his heart was all a flutter
Number 10 came round the bend, toot toot peanut butter!

So blessed....

Sometimes it becomes all to easy for me to overlook the wonderful people in my life. The past few days I was graciously reminded.

I recieved several very special presents for Mother's Day. These gifts and these people responsible for it will never know how much it meant to me. I am truly grateful.

Tanner picked me out a beautiful watch and when I was getting ready this morning, he walked in and said, "Are you going to wear this today?" I said, "Of course I am", and he replied, "I picked it because it's pretty like you". ♥♥♥

New idea ♥ ♥

With much encouragement from others near and dear to my heart, I've decided to start blogging all of Tanner's cute little ideas and quotes. So everytime my little goofball comes up with one of his amusing sayings, I'll post it on here :)

So...might as well start it off right!

Mother's Day I asked Tanner where he wanted to take me and he picked Chuck-e-Cheese. So off to Chuck-e-Cheese we went!! (and actually had a lot of fun!!)

I told T when we left that I would stop at this place on the way home and get him a chocolate milkshake (anyone who knows T, knows how much he loves milkshakes!). I stopped at a gas station to get a water and asked if he wanted anything and with a little sigh, he said, "No, I'll just wait for the milkshake". I told him it was ok, he could have two things, and after a long pause he said, "Ok....what the heck!!"

Dinnertime Prayer.....

Last night as we sat down to dinner, Tanner reminded us we needed to pray.

Here is his prayer.......

"I pwedge awwegiance to da fwag of da United States of Amewica. Amen"


:)