Five Things Friday

Five (or so things) that have happened sometime this month that have made me smile:

1. Samantha has earned at least 2 "stars of the day" during the month of January.  It's so nice to see her so proud of doing something kind in her classroom.
2. Samantha has also been bringing home little notes from her teacher saying that she's showing great examples of empathy, respect and kindness towards her classmates.
3. Captured in Moments photography continues to do very well.  We're excited to announce that we have booked 12 weddings for the 2013 year.  Jere and I will be working with some fantastic couples, and we're just excited to be a part of their special day.
4. Jeremy and I have finally joined the 21st century technology world.  We're proud owners of smartphones!
5. My Catering Coordinator job positiion is going well.  They're keeping me very busy these days.  Currently our store is undergoing some much needed construction.  Once everything is done, I'm sure it's going to look fantastic.  The construction is going to take about 3-4 weeks, but once it's completed, everything is going to be much easier and more streamlined.
6. Jeremy and I are adding a new feature to Captured in Moments:  a photo booth!  We've done them for previous clients and have realized that it's becoming a very popular trend, not too mention it's TONS of fun.

Dear Samantha (66 Month Update)

Dear Samantha,

Today you turn 5-1/2 years old.  Daddy and I cannot believe we're the parents of a 5-1/2 year old.  When did that happen?  It just seems like yesterday that we found out that you were growing inside of Mommy's tummy.  And today, you're a thriving, beautiful young lady.

You are now into your second half of your Kindergarten year and are absolutely loving it.  I think the only thing you're upset about is that you're not a full day student.  Well, don't you worry girl.  Starting next year, you're going to be full day and someday all too soon, you're going to wish you were half day again.  I do have to say though, you may just be in Kindergarten, but your thirst for knowledge is just fantastic.  You ask great questions.  You like to find the answer to the questions and "help" Sarah do the same.  We just have to learn the difference of helping Sarah and letting her figure it out too.  We're sure that will come over time.  You're starting to read and put words together.  In fact, we'll be out on the road, and you'll sound out road signs, or truck lettering.  We'll receive a letter in the mail, and you read the first sentence.  Don't get frustrated with yourself.  You're doing a great job, and Daddy and I are so proud of you.

You are feeling much much better this week thankfully.  Last week, just before Christmas, you caught the flu that was going around at school.  You had to miss 2 days of school, but luckily you were able to join your friends for your Christmas party.  It's good to see you back to your old smiling, giggling, goofy self.

Lately, you've been doing a lot of chores around the house to help Mommy, Daddy and Nanny out.  Oddly enough (and Mommy and Daddy know this won't last forever) you volunteer to make your bed, or take your empty plate/bowl to the sink.  We're really happy that you're understanding the value of responsibility.  You're brushing your own hair, brushing your teeth and getting yourself ready before school.  

The temper tantrums have lessened.  As The Rolling Stones once said, "You can't always get what you want".  We know it's hard to understand sometimes, even as adults Mommy and Daddy have a hard time being told "no".  We're just glad that you're understanding that it's not ok to freak out.

That's about it for now.  Mommy is really enjoying working daytime now, so that I'm home with you right after school and for dinner too.  I know you've loved having Daddy home during the day with you now.  Daddy and I are very fortunate and blessed that our photography business is doing so well, and that we have this flexibility of not having to have daycare as an option.

We love you Sam.  Thank you for always making us smile, and making us laugh with that contagious giggle of yours.  You've certainly made our lives better just by being in it.  More than you will ever know.

Love always, 

Mommy and Daddy

And here is what you look like today in January 2013