Thursday, May 17, 2012

TALENT SHOW!

May 8th, 2012 - this was a huge night for our family!  Our sweet Alex made the talent show at her school.  There was quite a bit of competition too - we were so sad for several of Alex's dear friends that didn't make it.  I was shocked at how many people auditioned and how many were not chosen.  The day she found out she made it, she had very mixed emotions.  At first, she was more upset for her friends that didn't make the show (which was precious!)  It was a great teaching moment, because we all know that you can win everything ;) The talent show represented the entire school, grades K-5th.

Our little Diva decided to sing The Little Mermaid's "Part of Your World" song.  She did SUCH a fantastic job!  YaYa came in all the way from Texas, DeDe and Pops came, of course Daddy and I were there and Alex even had her own cheering section of friends and family!  It meant the world that so many of our friends came out in support!

Enough typing...the pics and the performance tell it all.  YOU ROCKED BABY GIRL!  And by the way, we LOVED that you waved to all of your fans.  You acted like a seasoned professional but it was only your first time on stage.  Now we have that footage for when you make it big someday ;)  Love you and so proud baby!
Our little Ariel is ready to go!
I wish she would stop being so camera shy - seriously!  All you have to do is show her a camera and she takes over.

Insane in the membrane
YaYa + Alex = BFF

DeDe and Pops are her biggest fans

Proud parents

Daddy got a kiss!

Precious

Mommy was sooooo proud!
Alex showed us some of her art displayed on the way in....

A few adoring fans, Kylie and Macy


The sweetest lady asked Alex to sign her program.  Her first autograph!  Love it!

Walking out with the best grandmas on the planet!
Click here to see the Diva in action!

Happies!

There is where we are in our universe...today:
  • Carson is potty trained - woohoo!
  • Had the best Mother's Day ever (there have only been 7 so far, but I'll take it).
  • Alex has lost 4 teeth now - 2 by us pulling them, 2 via the dentist (yikes!)
  • Alex's last day of school is May 30th.  I can't believe we are at the end of her 1st grade year.
  • Carson is doing so so good!  Reading like no 3 year old's business ;)  He's just the most precious child!  I am so thankful for his angelic spirit.  He's pushed us a LOT lately, but his core is pure gold.
  • Nathan is doing great at his job.  His 1 year anniversary with LWSI is coming in July - he has made me so proud
  • My DAD GOT A JOB!!!!!!  And his first pay check on Monday.  God is so so good!  We are incredibly proud of him, and them for making it this far.  HANG IN THERE GUYS :)
  • We are loving our life in Little Rock.  We never questioned the move, but it is nice when God continues to reaffirm your leaps of faith :)

Friday, March 16, 2012

Our baby turns 7! - February 16, 2012

Note: my dates are all out of whack - I am posting as I get time and will make sense of it all later for the book :) ----


Alex Darby, our first born baby turned seven years old today. I have so many thoughts in my head and so many things I want her to know. But first, really, I have a 7 year old??? How old does that make ME sound?!

Yes, I know it's not about me...just had to throw that in because it's unreal telling people I have a seven year old!  The older the kids get, the faster life moves...and I wish it would all slow down because I believe these *are* the best years of our life.  I am still her hero.  I don't want that to change.

Back to what's important, our girl. Alex has made our life worth living every.single.day. I think this year instead of writing a sappy letter, I am going to summarize her amazing life by photos that really capture her spirit and personality. I can tell you for days all of the things that make her who she is (which is an incredible child of God that keeps everyone on their toes)...but I think the pictures will tell a better story than I ever could. Enjoy! 


BU Cheerleader in training at 16 months
BU Cheerleader in training at 21 months
Full of life ballerina (2)
Sunlight in everyone's day (2)
Look at that hiney in the mirror...and that smile! (2)
BU Cheerleader in training...um yes, there's a theme here (2)
B.B's water buddy and best friend (2)
HILARIOUS! (wearing my maternity undies as a wrestling costume?!) 3 years
Love for animals and life (3)
Goof-ball (3)
Adored by three Darby cousins
Angelic (3)
Encourager (3)
Ghetto fabulous princess (3 1/2)
Flirty, flirt, flirt (3 1/2)
Loves to imagine and play make-believe (3)
Drama Queen (3 1/2)
Believes anything is possible - dreamer (4)
Gorgeous inside and out (4)
Diva-sass (4)
Rule Breaker (4)
Passionate about the things she LOVES (4)
Excited to live each day and treats life as a gift (5)
Did I mention she is beautiful? (5)
Amazing sister (6)
A leader to many...(6)
BU Cheerleader in training (6)
Did I say she is a sassy drama queen? (6)
Princess inside and out (6)
Pops' Pretty-Princess (6)
YaYa's Daredevil (6)

YaYa's best friend (6)
DeDe's Kid with Character & girl fix (7)
Daddy's girl through and through
Daddy's best date he's ever had
Mommy's trailblazer
Mommy's cheer up girl
Mommy's GIRL!
Mommy's everything.  And yes I get the most pictures - deal!
Funky, rough and tumble outdoors tomboy
Mud-loving, can hang with the guys kinda chick
Brightest smile I've ever seen (7)

Enjoys the moment (7)
Innocent and tender (7)
Cheerful and giddy (7)
Hottie who has no clue...(7)
The total package









Dear God, Thank you for the most precious daughter any family could ask for. We love her for so many reasons and we know that you gave her to us specifically. Please protect her heart and spirit. Please keep her safe in your grip. Thank you. Thank you, Daddy.