The Maddox Ark

Saturday, November 9, 2013

2013-2014 School Pics

These melted my heart when I received them. If only my kids wanted to cuddle like this every moment. Thank you Lifetouch for sucking me in to buying these. I loved them all!

When did Roman turn 10?

Little Doll

My heart is full!

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

These past 3 years have been so fun with you in our lives. You bring happiness, joy, fun and sass. We have loved witnessing your personality come alive this past year and are so proud of the beautiful little girl you have become.

You love life and are happy and easy going. You love going on outings and adventures and are very adaptable to any change that is happening around you. You still stay pretty close to my side at all times, but that has always been in your nature. You started school this past summer and were so eager to go. On the 1st day you ran to the playground and didn't even say goodbye to Mommy. I was proud of your independence and knew that you were going to love it. One of my favorite parts of the day is picking you up at school. You get so proud of your artwork, that you make me immediately stop, then you open up your bag and show me everything you have worked on that day. You love doing any art at home including coloring, painting, stamping and stickers. You can hold the pen really good and we still don't know if you are a righty or lefty (since you tend to hold the pen a lot in your left). You love stickers for rewards, which makes it very easy for us. I think your potty chart had 100 stickers on it.

You were the easiest child to potty train. We waited until you were ready and all of a sudden 1 day you were motivated and that was the end to diapers. I'm sure I could make millions writing a book on my technique, however I have to give you ALL the credit. You were determined to fill up your sticker chart and that is all you needed to motivate you.

You love going to My Gym and are a good listener. You also just started soccer and have a smile on your face running around and chasing the ball. You moved up to Promiseland this past Fall at church. I was sad to say good-bye to Bernita in the nursery. She has been so good to our family the past few years. You love waving to people and your smile is contagious. You are soft spoken, but at home you let it be heard if you are not happy. Your favorite phrases are "Stop It" and"Hmmmmm" (while giving the grump face). Speaking of the grumpy face, you have perfected it. I joke that you are all ready for middle school with that face.

You and Roman are best buds (most of the time). Occassionally you can turn up the attitude and really let him have it. You like to tease him and will pretend to steal his toys and hide them. He is so good to you and I know deep down you love each other more than anything else in this world. Your teacher told me that you will ask throughout the day at school what Roman is doing and sometimes even want to look into his window. When you get hurt all you want is a hug and a kiss from Roman. No one else can do that job, other than Roman. I am so thankful you have each other.

Your favorite things:
Color = Green and turquoise
Toys = Collecting junk and trinkets around the house, stuffed animals, doll house
Food = Breakfast: Pancakes and Waffles with whipped cream and fruit, bacon
Activities = Going to the park, the library, My Gym
Movie/TV = Doesn't keep your attention for long, but you will watch Mickey Mouse
Song = Wheels on the Bus
Bedtime Routine = Need your pink blankie, bear bear and binkie and like to read 3 books

Things you do not like:
Garbage trucks on Friday mornings, loud noises, men that you do not know and a few that you do, eating dinner (you might be a vegetarian), being told no

We love you so much and look forward to another fun year ahead.
THANK YOU Paisley for being you.

Love,
Mommy and Daddy

Monday, October 7, 2013

Paisley Is THREE

Did my little baby girl just turn 3?

Whenever I would say it, it just sounded so old.

But yes, Paisley is 3 and she was so excited for her Birthday (week of celebrations).

It all started with her Bus Birthday Party. The "Bus" theme came a few months ago when we asked her what kind of cake she wanted Pop to make for her party. She said, "A Wheels on the Bus cake" (that is her favorite song). Every few weeks we would ask her what she wanted for her cake and she said remained set on a bus, so we were all set.

I found an awesome company called "The Tumble Bus" that is an actual school bus that drives to your house to do gymnastics inside the bus. I showed Paisley the bus and she was so excited. I loved that she wanted to be involved in all the choices and decorations (such a girl).

Paisley was ready to go

The Little Ones (3 and under) started out on the bus first. I loved seeing all their smiles. Paisley loved it all, which made me so happy.

Elliptical and exercise bike. These kids got a good workout

Paisley's special friend from school and church, Harper

Rock climbing

The Zipline was everyone's favorite

The older kids were excited to get on

Picking out their glitter tattoos

Everyone headed out back for a little parachute time

The girls loved their craft time (boys were nowhere to be found near the crafts)

She had this smile all day long. Such joy!

Make a wish!

Cousin Love!

I was so happy that my Mom made it to the party. Made it the perfect day.

The next morning opening presents.

Making chocolate chip oatmeal cooking for school

Her special school star for her Birthday. She was so proud she wore it all day.

The morning of October 5th (her actual birthday)

Opening some presents before breakfast.

Every girl needs a new cellphone and some lip gloss.

Paisley's Big Present this year was her dollhouse.

We gave Paisley a choice for her special day and she chose San Francisco, so we headed to Pier 39. The weather was amazing and it was the perfect day.

We love the Aquarium. Only takes about an hour to go thru and it is perfect for little ones. Cool shark tank, jelly fish and petting area.

Paisley's Favorite ride is always the Merry Go Round. We got to ride it twice.

Roman opted for the trampoline with his Daddy. So proud of this boy. He loved it.

Lunch and then cotton candy!

One of my favorite memories of this day is her excitement over her first set of lipgloss. All day long she carried a purse and would stop (about 30 times) and apply her glittery lipgloss. Sometimes it got on her lips and other times on her chin or nose. People would stop and smile since she was taking it so seriously. I loved it!

We ended the day with dinner (and another bus cake) at my parents house with all the cousins. What a week of Birthday Celebrations. We are so blessed. Happy Birthday Paisley. We love you so much! You bring us joy, happiness, laughter and sass. We feel so very blessed. You are Loved.

Monday, September 9, 2013

Last Year and First Year of Preschool

Roman just started his last year at Walnut Avenue in the 4's Program and Paisley began her first year in the 3's. This preschool has been so wonderful to our family. The teachers, the children and celebrations are great. I love that the school focuses on building confidence, while fostering good morals and values. Someone asked me the other day if this preschool was play or academic based. I had no idea! That made me laugh since it just totally reflects our parenting style. I don't really read parenting books and don't really research tons of options. When looking at preschools a few years ago, I picked one based on how I felt when I visited. Walnut Avenue felt like home, was comfortable, had a loving environment and the playground was shaded by trees and gave the kids tons of room to run around. So I guess I hope the preschool is full of play and lets hope they learn a little too.

Roman was so lucky to have gotten his same teacher as last year, Miss Paulina. She has been the perfect preschool teacher for him. He was happy to go back to school and told me that he loves everyone in his class. There are a lot of kids that have been with him for the last 2 years, so it is fun to see all of them grow up so much. I know this is going to be a year of so much growth for Roman. I hope that he continues to gain confidence, independence and grow socially. I have seen so much change in the last few months with his confidence and it makes me so happy for him. I've learned that he is not the child to push out of his comfort zone, but just let things naturally progress on their own timing. He is really starting to look like a boy (leaning out and growing taller every day). Love you Big Boy!

Paige and Ethan (friends from our newborn playgroup) came to Walnut Avenue this year and are in Roman's class. So fun for the 3 of them to be together. Love these sweet kids.

Paisley got Miss Jessica, who is going to be a great teacher for her (really I think Paisley would be happy with anyone). Miss Jessica is very structured, organized and already had the kids putting their snacks and backpacks away by Day 1. Paisley couldn't have been happier (or easier) to have gone to school on the 1st day. She walked right in and was happy to be there. Her good friend, Harper, is with her so they will have fun together. Paisley comes home from school and wants to give me the rundown on the whole day (everyone tells me it's a girl thing). I love it! She gets so excited about all the little details and loves showing me what art project she has made. This girl is just such a ray of sunshine.