Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's day to some of the most incredible women I know!

Today--Mother Nature treated us folks in the pacific Northwest with a little vitamin D. Believe me it's was very much appreciated

 So I have been blessed by amazing women in my life, but no one compares to my MOM and Grandma! NO ONE! I know many of us are blessed to fight for the Title: My Mom  is the best! But my mom is perfect. Yep, I said perfect. She's perfect because even in her shortcomings (I've yet to find any, but she's human)...she's the PERFECT mom for ME. God knew exactly what He was doing when He blessed me with her. She's my rock, my sounding board, my cheerleader, my friend, my punching bag, my advice-giver, my listener, my "calm down Sydney"...she's my everything! And while we have ups and downs...She is the perfect mom for me.

 And the women who paved the way for my mom...is my grandma or as I used to call her Mom-mom. I'm beyond blessed to spend the day outside in the sun chasing after my girls while sipping lemonade with my mom and mommom. I know it's a blessing and I'm trying my hardest to not take it for granted!

 I just love that at 84 years old...my grandma thought taking a "selfie" was super fun!

You know it was a good Mother's day when you get to hug your moms neck, grandma's neck, and return home with two worn out kiddos!

Like I said before I know I'm blessed. And while my mom and grandma are my favorites (and rightfully so) there are so many women old and young...in state and out of state...raising toddlers and welcoming grandkids that have impacted my view on motherhood. Some of you help keep me sane during this crazy ride we call mommy hood while others impacted my life years before I had my own little ones that call me mommy.

I love you all! Happy Mother's Day!

I Want to be Like My Daughter When I Grow Up!

Yes, I'm sneaking up on my 34th birthday, but I want to be like my 5 year old! I know many of you understand, but I'll still explain. 

It was a big week at the Yazwinski house. We're slowly (or not so slow if you ask me) approaching the elementary school stage of our lives. WHAT?!?!? I'm not quite sure how this has happened, but it's getting real...and it's getting real FAST! (ok, I know...slow or fast...I need to pick a speed, but I just can't wrap my brain around it!)

I digress. Anyway, I'm so proud of our first born. Stella is beyond excited about kindergarten and was ready for the open house to explore her future school and meet her potential teachers. Before we even registered for school she told me she wanted to ride the bus the first day. Gulp, but I'm proud of her confidence and eagerness to try something new.

 My heart skipped a beat as wee were heading into the school my independent Stella ran up and grabbed her daddy's hand. She wasn't nervous or one bit hesitant, but instead she was proud to kick off this new journey (and if we're honest, was probably reassuring daddy that this was going to be "ok"). It also reminded me that while I know she's ready to take on the world, she is still 5 and likes to hold our hand.

So while I knew Stella would know a few friends from preschool, the gym, church etc...I wasn't prepared for just how social she really is. As we were waiting for the "welcome" to start, Stella was working the room saying hi to friends she just met at the park THAT day, hugging "old" friends, introducing her gym friends to her buddies from church, and making sure WE noticed each and everyone of those little people in her life. She was smiling from ear to ear. Friends from "all" over coming together---I could just tell she knew kindergarten was going to be amazing!

When we moved here less than 2 years ago, I prayed the girls would adjust well and make friends. Prayers answered!

After a quick welcome to the Class of 2028 (wait, WHAT?!?!) Stella was off to check out the kindergarten classes and meet the teachers.

We checked out the art projects, work tables, desks, and even some tadpoles. She was soaking it all in while Tom and I were still trying to wrap our mind around this new adventure just a couple months away.

BUT, then she did it! She walked straight up to one teacher and said "Hi Mrs....I'm Stella! Thanks for letting me see your classroom." Then the next class, the same thing! She was so eager to know the teachers and for them to know her. She wasn't one dot shy, nervous, or hesitant. She stood tall, shook their hands, and never doubted this was right where she needed to be!

So, THAT's why I want to be like my daughter when I grow up. I want that youthfulness that isn't jaded or judged. I want to stand tall, walk into a room and never question my reason for being there.

As we grow older, we lose that innocence, we start doubting our purpose, we compare ourselves to a fault, we are friends with certain people while we aren't fans of others, at times we even forget who we are. Let's face it--- in a world where we're told how to look, act, parent, etc, etc we sometimes forget to stand tall and accept that no matter how flawed we may be we're the perfect version of who God created us to be.

So instead of letting those evil comparisons get in my head, Stella reminded me to LIVE life, stand tall and take on the world! Instead of getting caught up in cliques, or the he said she said dramas...I want to be confident in who I am and not worry about what the world or what others say is right or wrong. I want to be REAL.

While her world may include the ABC's, a new bus route, and fun art projects she's taking it on with gusto. She's ready to get to know the teachers, meet knew friends, introduce old friends to new friends, and  have fun.

This week Stella reminded me we were all innocent once. Yes, life happens and it's not always pretty but little reminders to accept everyone no matter who they are, how they dress, how they parent, what they wear, drive, where they live---you get the idea. I know we wont always play nice in the sandbox, but it sure is nice witnessing my daughter eager to see the friends she loves, love each other. I know they wont all be best friends and times will change, but right now it's refreshing!

I'm thankful for my social butterfly! I pray that she'll seek out the shy/nervous kiddos when kindergarten kicks off and be used as a tool to help that transition of to a new school be a little less scary.

And while I fully expect to go through a box of kleenex the first day month of school, I am excited  to see how God uses my little Stell-Bell.

Stella with her friend Addison. Watch out kindergarten...you have no idea what's headed your way!

"Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity."

1 Timothy 4:12

Potty Training Part 2p

Well, Emerson is potty trained. It was easier than I expected. Nothing is easy with this munchkin, BUT is she really potty trained?

Poor girl loves her big girl panties, but going number 2 stresses her out. I remember this with Stella, but as soon as we put a diaper on her she'd go. We did that so she wouldn't hold it for too long. I know this is a lot  of TMI, but Em can hold it even longer. The diaper trick doesn't work. Any tips? We've started a sticker chart and she loves it. We're hoping this helps and I bought my last box of pull ups tonight (at least that's what I keep telling myself), so we're hoping she relaxes a bit with #2.

Besides that...I can't believe we're ALMOST done with diapers! What? Where are my babies?

We're all in...12th Man!

 If you've followed the NFL at all this year, then you know we're living in a very exciting time for the Seattle Seahawks! Emme is a very proud fan. And despite what you may think she's not jumping on the 12th man bandwagon...she has loved the SEA-HAWKS since we moved here. She is a loyal fan. How cute is her skirt? My friend Lindsay made it...and is selling them if you want one!

 In an effort to take in all the football hype, we bundled up today and showed our team spirit at the big pep rally nearby. The girls were so excited to meet Blitz.

 I think daddy was excited too!

And we may not have tickets to tomorrows big game against the Saints, but we've got our team spirit. We're IN! And we've made it official...we now how a Seahawk flag flying outside our house. GO HAWKS!!!

Prima Ballerina

 I know I'm bias. I know I'm her mom. I know I'm her biggest cheerleader. I know I'm her protector, BUT man on man this picture takes my breathe away. Stella truly is a beauty both inside and out. Her heart for her friends and family is worn on her sleeve. I learn so much from this sweetie everyday!

 Anyway, this ballerina had a Christmas dance for the other day. She was calling it her recital, but that's not until June. But what joy it was to see them strut their stuff. This is Stella's sweet friend Addy.

 Stella loves Miss Diadra. She is so patient with the girls.

 Oh these sillies: Lily, Stel, Addy and Addison.

 I love watching her dance. She gets so into it and very serious.

 I don't know if she'll always love dancing, but I love that she's learning about good posture and a positive self esteem with her friends while having fun.

When did she get so old?!?!?

Preschool Performance

 Before Thanksgiving our other performer in the family sang at the church she goes to preschool. Oh my word, Stella knew every word, every motion and sang them loud and proud!

 All the mom's around us were talking about how cute Stella was and how into it she was. She never had the deer in the headlights look and kept her eyes on us. She was definitely performing!

 There were lots of motions.

 Lots of excitement.

 I told you she was into it.

We are very proud of Stella this year. Junior Kindergarten can be a bit overwhelming but she is taking on head on. She's come a long way from the beginning of the year and LOVES school. She is in a room of 7 boys and just 3 girls, but it's working. Not to mention she loves her teacher, Mrs. Robin, and talks about her all the time. You know you're little one is being loved on when they want to do extra homework so they can share it/show it off to their teacher.

Good Job Stell-Bell!

Bringing Home A Baby Bumble Bee

 Emerson may be the cutest bumble bee I've ever seen, I know I'm bias. This fall I decided to enroll Emme is dance at our local community center. I wasn't sure how she'd do in dance so I wanted something not too intense. She loved it, but there were some tough days too. BUT when it came to perform she was the STAR.

 Finding her X and standing still waiting for the song to start. It felt like forever and I was nervous we'd miss the window of focus, but she likes attention and loved being in front of crowd.

 Waiting with her hive.

 Ha! Gotta include this. At this point a lot of the other dancers were being wrangled to the stage.I have to admit, Emme surprised me. She was on mark even with her friends running everywhere. If I'm honest, it was usually the other way around during class. But like a said, a star was born.

 Tapping...

 Singing...

 Doing the motions...

 Ending with a bang...Go up (she says this)

 Go down...

TA DA!!! She was so proud of herself. And if you listen to the video we have I was one proud mama too!!!!

Proud of her flower for Mrs. Alex. 

I have no doubt this is one of MANY performances from this little bumble bee in the future. 

We're taking a break this winter because we're so busy, but I'm sure we'll be back at it in the spring.

Oh and by the way, Emme wears this costume at least once everyday. It's usually the attire at breakfast before getting dressed for real, ha!