First Day of Kindergarten

We officially have a Kindergartener!

Michael started Kindergarten a few weeks ago and was thrilled to go to big boy school.

(Hansel the cat was thrilled to photo bomb my pics)

I shared a few first day pics with my family, but have finally gotten around to writing a post on the day.

There were tons of smiles from Michael and a few tears from me.

I took the day off from work so I could drop him off and pick him up.

Of course, I had to work around the school bus, since that was what he was most excited about.

"Only big kids get to ride the bus, mom."

Last year, I downloaded the "First Day" templates from How She Does and LOVED it.

Here is pic from last year.

Let the baking begin!

The hot summer weather broke last week

and we have had the most wonderful fall like temperatures!

Combine the gorgeous weather and over ripe bananas in my fruit bowl

and I thought banana bread!

I can bake again. :)

Then Jaime suggested chocolate chip banana bread.

Even better!

I consulted my dear friend Google and found THIS great recipe.

I made a few tweaks, 

adding in vanilla, cinnamon and less banana (I only had 2).

I also added in one chopped Hershey's bar instead of chocolate chips,

since it was the only chocolate I had on hand and didn't want to go to the store. 

Necessity is the mother of invention after all, right?

Songs from the Vault Saturday #18

Welcome to week 18 of

Songs from the Vault Saturday!

If you missed last week's song, check it out HERE

This week I'm featuring a song that I love.
I used it as one of my wedding songs
and it holds a special place in my heart.
But, it now holds an even more sacred place.

This week, one of my friends lost her husband .
He was diagnosed with Brain Cancer late last year and
lost his courage battle early Thursday morning.
It was 11 months to the day of his diagnosis.
This was the song she walked down the aisle to marry her soul mate.

My friend supported, cared and fought with him every step of the way.
She also fought hard for their two small boys, ages 5 and 3,
to make sure they had a sense of normalcy in the face of such pain and sadness,
and to have good memories of both their daddy and mommy during this time.
She is a super woman.

This song is in memory of Dan.
Rest in Peace.
And to Gina, Carson and Tyler; we love you.

By Your Side - Sade

Giveaway - Mohawk Rug

Hi Everyone!

Yeah, I know it's Monday, but we are kicking this week off right.

Welcome to this awesome giveaway courtesy of Angie at Little Inspiration and  Mohawk!

Today you will have the chance to win a  Mohawk Rug 
up to $150!

Looking for a new rug for your living room, bedroom or kid's room? 

Look no further and browse through Mohawk's Area Rugs. 
Mohawk has many designs and sizes for you to choose from and are available at most retailers like Target, Walmart, Bed Bath and Beyond, Lowe's and More!

To learn more about Mohawk and read the review please check out Little Inspiration's
Mohawk Rug review

To Enter use the rafflecopter form below. US Residents only. Giveaway Ends September 24, 2012 at 12:01am.

Good Luck!!

Songs from the Vault Saturday #17

Welcome to week 17 of

Songs from the Vault Saturday!

If you missed last week's song, check it out HERE

This week I'm featuring an oldie but a goodie.
I chose it in honor of my little man's first day of kindergarten.
I'm so proud.

I thought it was about a boyfriend, but after seeing the video
you can see how it can be about anyone.
Perfect for my boy.

It's another fun one.fun.
I used to sing it word for word and think I choreographed a dance to it...
It's in my iPod.

Let's Hear It For The Boy - Deniece Williams

Gearing up for Kindergarten

I've been somewhat emotional this week.

Like, almost sobbing into my salad at dinner, emotional.

How can my sweet little boy be starting school??

Yes, he's been in daycare since he was 3 months old, 

BUT

now he will be "in-transit" and taking the school bus and going to a big kid school.

How?

I'll set that aside for Thursday.

K-Day.

Today was a nice ease mom and dad the kids into the transition

with Meet the Teacher Day.

We got to drop off our supplies, scope out the classroom, roam around the school and 

obviously meet the new teacher.

Songs from the Vault Saturday #16

Welcome to week 16 of

Songs from the Vault Saturday!

If you missed last week's song, check it out HERE

This week I'm featuring a brand new song.
I heard it on the radio the day it was released and
instantly fell in love
and bought the song off of iTunes.

It's funny and quirky.
And if you've every been a teenage girl,
you can completely relate.
No wonder it's the fastest iTunes downloaded song ever.

The best part is her dancing around
in her pjs with her band dressed up as stuffed animals.
I also heard it was all shot in one take and with one camera.

It's fun.
It's going to be a teenage girl anthem.  :)
It's in my iPod.

We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together - Taylor Swift