school picture day

Here are the proofs from Lyla's first school pictures.  Doesn't she look so grown-up?  Too bad she's posing with an old lady sitting room chair.  What's that about?  And why do the photo packages have to be such odd quantities?  They make you spend $34.50 just so you can get one 8x10...and then you have to get 12 wallets with it.  Who needs 12 wallet size photos these days when everyone has smart phones?  They should remove wallets and add them as an "upgrade".  Anyways, that's my rant about picture day.  At least some of her poses came out cute!

God answers prayer in 3 ways...

1. Yes
2. Wait
3. I have something better for you!

Sometimes God's answers are subtle and sometimes they are unmistakably obvious!  In my post about Lyla's first day of school, I shared about how the Lord gave us clear direction on sending Lyla to preschool.  I hesitated to tell the background story because I wasn't sure if it would come across as boasting or bragging in how God has worked in our lives...but then I reflected on it and felt that the story might be a blessing to others.  Let me share. 

In May, we started considering preschool for Lyla because she had been asking when she will start going to school.  The idea of riding a bus, wearing a backpack, and having a teacher intrigued her.  So, we started to look into schools in the area.  There was one private Christian school in particular that we considered due to location and reputation.  We made an appointment to take a tour just to get an idea of what it was like.  It was awesome!  During our visit, we heard little ones reciting bible verses and praying for eachother.  Lyla was thrilled and didn't even want to leave the school that day.  As a family, we made the decision to start praying for the Lord's direction and that He would provide for us financially if He wanted Lyla in that particular school.  He answered our prayers without delay...

First, let me explain that the tuition for this preschool is $380 a month.  We certainly didn't have the extra money laying around for this expense.  So, we prayed and we prayed.  Lyla prayed right along with us.  We asked God top open the doors if He wanted her to attend this school and, if He did, that He would provide the money for her tuition. 

Two days later, I was called into my boss's office and he told me that I had been doing a good job and then he unexpectedly offered me a raise!  I was astounded.  I was not up for a review and definitely did not expect this raise at all.  The increase in my hourly wages brought up my monthly income by $152.  I walked out of his office practically skipping down the hall with joy!

A few days later, Travis was informed at work that his monthly booth rental at the salon was going to be reduced by $100.  Again, we were floored.  We were not anticipating this at all.  We praised the Lord and thanked him for blessing us once again.

About a week after the news from Element Salon, we got a letter in the mail from our mortgage company informing us that our monthly mortgage was going down by $128 due to an update on our taxes.  What?!?!  How could this be happening?  Let's add it up:

$152 raise in my pay
$100 reduction in Trav's booth rental
$128 reduction in mortage

=$380!!!

We couldn't believe how obvious it was that Jesus was telling us to send Lyla to school.  It just goes to show that where the Lord guides, He provides!  We have never heard God answer our prayers more clearly.  I didn't hesitate to start the paperwork and enroll Lyla right away.  We really feel strongly that God is training up Lyla to do mighty work for Him.  She is already a self-proclaimed "prayer warrior"!  I hope this story is an encouragement to everyone who reads it that Jesus loves us and wants to bless us in so many ways.  I also hope that it is an exhortation for all of us to "Pray without ceasing." -1 Thessalonians 5:17.

too cool for preschool

Today marks the completion of lyla's first week of preschool.  The verdict?  Thumbs up!  She is having fun, learning a lot about Jesus, and she loves her teachers.  We knew that Lyla would transition really well into preschool because she is such a social butterfly.  Lyla told me on Wednesday that she tried to comfort another little girl who was crying because she missed her mommy and daddy.  She has such a big heart.  But don't let that fool you, she will be up to many shenanigans this school year, no doubt.  This little girl is always up to something.

Lyla is wearing a "bonjour" GAP t-shirt (clearance section +30% off = I paid next to nothing!), old navy skinny jeans, and laceless converse.

Lyla's cute hello kitty style bow clip is from "chic baby rose" on etsy.  It comes in lots of colors and you can buy a 5-pack here.  We can't seem to keep track of hairclips around my house, so it just makes sense to buy in bulk.

Cody is wearing a mickey t-shirt from target and mustard skinny jeans from zara.  Cody is way too cool for school...for now.  In two short years it will be his turn to sport a backpack and lunchbag! 

school girl

This morning was a big deal in our home.  Lyla's eyes lit up when we told her that she was going to preschool today.  She has been eagerly antipating this day for months - ever since we first toured the school way back in May.  She was super excited.  She got dressed all by herself in her brand new outfit and then asked me to put her hair in two buns.  I kept reminding her what a big girl she is and how today is a really big deal.  She definitely understood the hype.  She was so well-behaved! 

She met one friend in her class last week at "meet your teacher" night.  His name is Leif.  As soon as we got to her classroom, she made her way over to Leif to say hello. 

Lyla's cubby

We are so excited for this year and this new chapter in Lyla's life.  We think that Lyla will really thrive in this social environment and we are thanking the Lord for providing this opportunity for her!  We checked out the school in May and prayed that God would open the doors to allow Lyla to attend preschool here.  He answered right away and let us know that this is indeed what He had in mind for Lyla.  Thank you, Jesus for your clear direction in our lives!

"back" to school shopping list

What comes to mind immediately when I hear the phrase "back to school", is...SHOPPING!  When I was a kid, I remember that feeling as Summer was drawing to a close and I was eagerly anticipating the start of the new school year.  Not because I was excited to go back to school, but because I was stoked for an excuse to do some serious shopping!  This will be my very first back to school shopping experience as a mom with Lyla starting preschool next week.  As excited as Lyla is to begin this new chapter of her life, I might be even more amped than her!  Let me tell you, I ordered her a monogrammed backpack and lunchbox from Pottery Barn a couple months ago.  I am going to wrap them up and surprise her with them after "meet your teacher" night this friday.  I can't wait for Monday morning to come to dress her up and take pictures of her with her big girl backpack on!  I don't know yet if I will be emotional the first time I drop her off at her classroom.  My baby girl is growing up so fast.

First things first.  I need to go shopping for some preschool essentials.  I did a little online research to come up with a back-to-school shopping list (with a few tips and notes to go along):

1. A Backpack - While they make smaller backpacks designed specifically for preschoolers, the general consensus is they are too small. Instead opt for a small size backpack. Pottery Barn Kids, Land of Nod, LL  Bean and Lands End have great selections of child friendly back packs. We opted for the small Mackenzie by Pottery Barn Kids.

2. A Lunch Box - We bought the matching mackenzie lunchbox from pottery barn.

3. A Water Bottle. - We chose a sistema reusable water bottle and sandwich case.

4. Hand Sanitizer. Hand sanitizer has made its way to the must have list on most any preschooler’s shopping list. Bath and Body Works makes a great PocketBac hand sanitizer that can strap right onto a backpack!

5. Wipes.  Wet wipes are great for children who are toilet training at preschool or simply to have on hand to clean up sticky hands in a moment’s notice.  Try boogiewipes!

6. Tissues. Individual packages of tissues are a necessity for preschoolers. Throw a pack or two into the backpack for easy access.

7. A Change of Clothes to keep at school.  Kids get messy quick. A seasonally appropriate well-fitting change of clothes is essential. Whether she has an accident or spills paint on herself, a change of clothing will come in handy. Pack them in a Ziploc Bag so dirty clothes can be easily packed back into the bag as needed.

8. Labels.  Mabel’s Labels are a popular choice among preschool moms for labeling their preschooler’s clothing, jackets and personal belongings.  There are also a ton of other labels choices available on etsy.

9.  Socks — 10-14 pairs. Buy at least 2 pairs of every color you choose — that way, when your child loses a sock you'll have three left.

10. T-shirts — 6-10. Classrooms can get pretty toasty, so your child will want to take off heavy outer layers once he's come in from the cold. T-shirts are a practical choice for younger children because long sleeves get dirty at the wrists. 

11. Sweaters/Sweatshirts — 2-3. In the early fall, your child can throw a long-sleeved shirt or cardigan over her trusty T-shirt and add a hooded sweatshirt to keep extra warm. They stow easily in the cubby without wrinkling.

12. Pants — 5+ Preschoolers spend a fair amount of time on the floor.  Choose a durable fabric like denim. Elastic waists are essential for little ones, who get frustrated when they have to deal with snaps or zippers at toilet time.  Don't forget leggings!

13. Skirt and coordinating top — 1. Your daughter should have one pretty skirt for special events, to wear with an appropriate sweater or blouse.  Dresses and skirts are a pain on the playground.

14. Shoes — 2 pairs. Most children are perfectly happy with sneakers for everyday wear.

15. Boots — 1 pair.

16. Coats — 1 fall (optional), 1 winter, 1 raincoat. A good hooded sweatshirt or fleece should be fine for fall.

That's my list so far.  For those moms out there who have already been through this, am I forgetting anything?  I would love any feedback!