Date Nights with the Kids

Dave and I purchased tickets for the Toby Mac concerts months ago and had saved this special surprise for Savannah.  Preston got to go to the last concert so this time it was Savannah's turn for some special time with Daddy!  So after we all had dinner at home they headed uptown for the Toby Mac and Britt Nicole concert.  They took this cute selfie once they got home (way too late for this mama to be awake). :)

 I told Preston we were going to go on a date too . . and asked him what he wanted to do.  This is hilarious . . his top three choices were Chuck E Cheese, Monkey Joes, and staying home to watch America's Funniest Home Videos on TV.  What?  Unfortunately, the requested TV show was not on and I couldn't find it on demand so we ended up at his number one pick, Chuck E Cheese! It was definitely crowded with a lively array of people, but he had a blast!  All I heard for most of the time is "mama, follow me".  He played until his card was empty and then carefully selected two toys with his well earned tickets.

Afterwards he chose McDonald's for an ice-cream treat and then we headed home.  This kid is so funny and spunky.  I truly enjoyed watching him in action and spending the evening with my buddy!

It was a super fun date night for us all . .  a perfect way to spend the weekend before daddy flies out of town for most of the week. :(

Another *SNOW* Day

Well, CMS made a pretty dumb decision and cancelled school today with the threat of bad weather on the way.  It never even rained until 3pm, but never-the-less we still had a fun day and got a lot accomplished.  The kids "enjoyed" their dentist appointment and were glad that they didn't have to have a early dismissal from school to go.  They were both cavity free.  Yeah!  Let's hope the threat of bad weather is over!!!  Bring on Spring!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Preston's class Valentine Party on Friday

It has been a super fun weekend as we celebrated Valentine's Day in a variety of ways!!  I was able to go in and help with Preston's class party on Friday.  So between teaching character education in Savannah's class, the surprise snow that was beautiful, and trying to figure out what to do about our crashed computer, it was a welcome change to spend some time loving on the kids in his class.

All month we created a heart for each kid with something we loved about them.  Some days they got up too early and others we forgot, but we ended the first two weeks with at least one heart for each day.  I thought they would think it was a dumb idea, but they both really looked forward to their heart at breakfast each morning . . Preston even commented one day "mom, you owe me two hearts!"  It was a fun way to really think about how unique they each are and how thankful we are for them both!

Preston having the super kind heart he does decided he wanted to make us a heart too.  I found this taped to our bedroom door one morning.

He also decided to take on a huge project of his own.  He had been asking for several days for us to calculate the exact number of days until Savannah's birthday.  So finally Dave gave in and figured out that it was 120 days between Valentine's Day and her birthday.  Well, this kid set out on a mission to make her a love paper chain.  He hand drew, cut, colored and wrote in 120 hearts all by himself.  They each had a message like "You Rock" or "I Love You" on it and then he stapled them all together to present to her as a gift on Valentine's Day.  I'm not sure what we were more impressed with . . the hours he spent putting it all together all by himself or the thought to do it in the first place.  Either way, it's yet another example of how sweet is heart is!

He was so excited to give her the final product!!!

Sunday after church we all exchanged gifts and cards.  Both kids used their own money to buy me a box of sweet tarts and a beautiful red rose.  They also made their own purchase at Harris Teeter of some carefully selected candy for Daddy.

Are they not just too lovable!?!

Preston was thrilled with his own box of chocolates that Savannah bought just for him!

Dad loved his candy hearts too!

It was a fun day to enjoy together as a family!  And as usual, after the kids were in bed we ended it with our favorite Cheesecake Factory ~ Adam's peanut butter cup cheesecake . . . we shared a few bites from one piece with the kids after dinner, but then we devoured a piece and a half together.  YUM!!!  We truly have a lot of love to be thankful for!!!

Basketball Season Ends with a Bang!

Today we wrapped up the basketball season.  I can't say I'm going to miss late night Thursday practices or 8am Saturday morning games, but I will miss seeing these two kids on the court.  They developed so many skills and played every game with 100% energy and enthusiasm.  Preston's team only lost two games (and they were close).  He was a top scorer every week, never complained when they were losing, and became quite the excellent rebounder!

Afterwards his team celebrated with iced doughnuts . . and before we knew it he had eaten two of them!  He was thrilled to get another trophy to add to his collection as well.  I have to add that he was MORE thrilled for his sister who received her first trophy later on. :)

This afternoon we headed back to Calvary for Savannah to finish up her season.  She finally scored her first in-game goal!!!  We were all thrilled!!!  She also grew in her skills and never game up even when their score was not the highest.  Her team ended up winning two games, and we were super exciting to end on a winning one!

Her team party ended with cupcakes and juice, which both kids enjoyed!  

It was a high sugar kind of day. :)

I'm so proud of them both and they way they gave their best every week.  They loved playing and both had incredibly patient coaches to help them along the way.  Here's to a wonderful season!!!

Savannah's Life-Changing Prayer

I LOVE having lunch with this sweet girl

Last night as we were playing cards waiting for Dave to get home, a great spiritual dialogue began.  Preston was asking questions about being baptized and accepting Christ which prompted some good conversations with Savannah too. She completed the First Step class at our church a long time ago, but has never expressed to us an interest in being baptized.  We have had lots of talks about how we are all sinners and how asking Jesus into your heart forgives us of our sins, but tonight as she verbally sorted through some details, she says "I think I'm ready to be baptized!"  Hallelujah!  So after basketball practice tonight, when Preston was snugly in bed, Dave and I prayed with her and we are confident she is a Christian! :)  I cant' express how joyful my heart is.  So many people have prayed for her, but according to Savannah she accepted Jesus a long time ago and just didn't tell us.  She is certainly a child that has to reason through the details and we are thankful the Lord has worked in her heart and helped her take the next step!

Super Bowl Excitement

This week has been full of Panther excitement.  From school celebrations to YouTube videos and lots of talk, today has been a day we've all looked forward to for weeks.  We planned to watch the game in the *quiet* of our living room and were all excited to sport our new Panther shirts!  I promised the kids a fun dinner so they helped come up with some healthier options and then both assisted in setting up our buffet.

Savannah with our Super Bowl dinner spread

Although the home team isn't doing such a great job at the moment, we're praying they pull out a big win tonight!  I mean really, Savannah and I want to wear our shirts again tomorrow! :)  Keep Pounding Panthers!!!!

Snaggle Tooth

Preston got off the school bus this afternoon with one less tooth!!  Is he not adorable?!?  The best part is the note he crafted all on his own . . . "Dear Fairy, may I please keep my tooth?  May I please have 10 dollars?"

Hey, at least he used good manners. :)  When I saw it I started laughing so hard and he said "well maybe the tooth fairy will laugh so hard she'll drop the whole bag of money."  #wishfulthinking