The First Week of School!

We blinked and there went Summer!  Fortunately, the summer left us with many lasting memories that I'm hoping to share on this blog.

So just when you think school is still 3 weeks out, you glance at your calendar to realize it's next week!  I am so excited for this school year!  Avery began her first day of Pre-Kindergarten this past Wednesday and loved it!  Aves has always adjusted to school very well so seeing that satisfied and wide smile pleased my heart.

Warner's first day and last year of preschool started yesterday!  Are you ready for this?  NO tears and not even a "mommy cling"!  His comfort level has surely evolved and it doesn't hurt that he has the same wonderful teacher that Avery had last year.

Two milestones: Avery's last year at PVUMC and Warner's last year of preschool.  Wow.  There's a word for this isn't there?  Bittersweet.  Oh how bittersweet.

And just as Avery & Warner have evolved at PVUMC, I quickly realized this week that I too, have found my home there in unexpected ways.  It's nearly impossible to not meet amazing women, mothers of your children's peers and feel inspired and attached to a community.

The other unexpected leap this year was pairing with a good friend, Mary, to be the "room moms", in Avery's classroom!  I always thought I'd fall into this role the moment it was offered to me.  Turns out, it took 3 years to muster up the courage but here we go!  Btw, the other word you could use for my so called courage would be "Mary".  She's perfect in every sense of the word so I'm in good hands!!  ;)  I'm thrilled to take this on though and participate in Avery's class as much as I can.  It's such a blessing that I don't take for granted!  Last year, I was so overwhelmed with GeoFarm that such a role was out of question!

Here are their classic first day of school pics to mark the special moments!  Melt my heart!...

**Title Pending!**

Happy 2015 Everyone!

Let's start with some food for thought.  I posted about 2 entries last year.  Yep.  Two.  The memories were endless, but clearly I fell short in documenting those precious, sweet memories.  As no surprise to any, time continues to tick faster each year and although you think you're going to remember every perfect moment...you don't.  I don't.

So, I bet you can guess my goal for this year?  No.  It's not to blog consistently and narrate these special moments.  The goal is to TRY.  To try documenting our daily routines, my ever-blossoming kiddos, their little sayings, perfect snapshots and expanding personalities.  I can't NOT.  There is just TOO much I CAN'T afford to ever forget.

So whether it's a matter of posting pictures and brief narrative, so be it.  I have no doubt I will thank myself in years to come!

I hope my posts at least double this year but I might as well start somewhere.

So.....here goes nothing!

I have never been busier in my life.  Well, it sure feels that way.  No.  I actually have not.

Avery is in her 2nd year of preschool, Warner in his 1st (not counting the Rainbow Room last year!).  They LOVE it (most days) and especially "Friday donut day" which is one thing we remain incredibly consistent on!

One year ago this week, I offered to help Chris with the billing of a little company he launched called, Geographic Farm.  Little did I know, it would turn into my (2nd) full-time job over night and essentially, Baby #3.  It. became. my. baby. #3.  WOW.  Did not see this one coming but that business degree itch kept my pushing for its path to reach full potential.

We are sooo far from Geographic Farm's full potential but I say that in the most optimistic way!  The excitement of where we've come in just one year is sometimes, hard to believe.  We have recently partnered with Tom Ferry (I will let you do the research on this incredible, successful and very inspirational businessman)...Google will tell the details.  But to say it's a gigantic leap in the right direction is an understatement.

God is good.

Have I had my doubts, fears, worries and concerns during this endeavor?  Of course.  But God has a consistent way of planting guidance in your heart even if you forget to ask the right questions.

I am person that loves thrives on being productive/busy!  But that too, comes with a lesson.  When to say no and having to say no to the things you don't want to.

I wouldn't be able to do all I enjoy (being with my babes, date nights, running, time with friends, bible study, organizing...), if it weren't for the incredible people in my life.

Among many, my mom has been an absolute instrumental person in the above stated paragraph.  She has stepped up more than I could possibly thank her for.  Aves & Ner Ner are in love with Gramzie and thanks to many date nights, Chris and I get...well, Chris & Kel time.  Too Cool!!

What else?  What else?  Our house is for sale and we are building another.  A one-story and I am ecstatic.  So so excited!!  I love our house so much but this new move is one I am giddy about.  I will track the progress over the next 4-5 months (hopefully it will be done by then!!).

Chris?  He's amazing as usual.  Morrison Residential continues to thrive with wonderful agents!  He works so hard to provide for our family in countless ways.  I continue to be in awe of him 10 years later...

Avery?  OH AVERY.  That heart.  That sweet, genuine heart that will melt at the moment she feels you're disappointed in her.  Something I can relate so well to.  Fortunately, we are rarely, I mean RARELY disappointed in her.  She is such a sweet, sweet daughter and an even better sister.  She will give up anything if it means she can keep Warner from crying.  I love every single thing about her.  She's become so goofy.  She wants to hide behind me when entering her classroom just to joke with her teachers.  She's the leader at the playground and creates games for all the kids to play.  She loves Peppa Pig, chocolate milk, Barbies, and Campbell Plas (her best friend).  She is so tall.  She takes such initiative in everything.  Getting dressed, putting shoes on, grabbing a snack.  But beware, DO NOT try and brush her hair.  That's just scary.

Warner.  Knock on wood but we may, just may be passed those terrible two's.  It's a real thing, folks.  And just when we thought Avery gave us a little taste, Warner proved to us terrible should be capitalized with a T.  And to even use the word terrible aches me because I know we have it owe so good!!!!

"Mom, mom mom mom mom up!!mom mom,up!!! mom!!!!!, mom mom up!!  up!!!! mom, mom mom!!!"

That is what I have heard for the last year and continue to.  Technically, I could have always picked him up but he was not my sole responsibility.  He did need to learn independence and still will but my heart wells up with the realization that before long, he will not only NOT want to be picked up by me, but won't want me to drop him off near school.  I can't bare the thought.  And so I pick "up".  Those sweet, chubby cheeks and adorable curly hair.  He too, is perfection in my eyes.  He may cry as much as I used to but that's okay, I will take that forever!  He is the biggest jokester I know and ALL boy!!  He is brilliant at sports already and always wants me within a foot from him if I'm in the room.  Is that not a mother's dream?  He loves his sister!!  He will do anything she wants to and love loves loves to make her laugh!

Avery & Warner.  They have become the best of friends.  Truly.  For the last two months they have created their own beautiful little world and friendship.  I just watch in awe and can't believe how cute that are together!  The games they create are only a snip it of what I imagine Jamie and I played.  I sure hope this lasts!

"Avery?  You want to play cars with me?"

"Warner?  Do you want to play in the secret nook?"

The list goes on.

Now is probably a good time to share a range of pictures which captures quite a few of the above mentioned occurrences...

Look at the beautiful girl.

I may also be training for a marathon with my littles.

I love Starbucks.  Avery loves Starbucks.  But I am pretty sure Warner loves Starbucks the way I love Starbucks!!

Geographic Farm's booth at the Tom Ferry Inner Circle Event 2015!

Getting to run the booth with the best Brother in the world!!!  Matthew Morrison! (uh - who took the blurry photo?!)

Listening to the incredibly charismatic Gary Vaynerchuk at TF Inner Circle 2015! (look him up!!)

Yup.  Our partner, Tom Ferry.  WOW!!  WOW!!

THEY LOVE THEIR AUNT JAMES!!  Aunt James watched the kiddos while we were at the Tom Ferry conference!  Gramzie sure did her share but wow is Aunt James good going to be an incredible mom!

Avery - "Mom!  The lawn helpers are cleaning the grass!!"

Goofballs every hour of every day!

That face.

That cuteness.  Call it Mother's eyes but how can you not see it!!?  ;)

I may have allowed a slumber party in the "middle bed", which is our guest bed but how do you say no to this??!

At Gramzie's house, we just make ourselves at home!  After all, we have our own bedroom at her house!!

Um!  How cool is Aunt James?!  She brings Wall Ball as a surprise guest when she picks us up from preschool!!

Must be close to each other.

Celebrating that Sweet Sydney!

Now this is a great party!

Ahhh!!!  Elsa made snow!

My two most handsome men!!

That smile.

All aboard!

Girls go to a birthday party?!  Dad takes me to the train park!  Coolest Dad ever!!

Easter Shenanigans!

Easter was so wonderful this year!  It was a holiday spread amongst a few different days (as our celebrations tend to be this phase of life).  Fortunately, it's how I prefer it despite the candy hangovers.  They were plenty in our household this year.  Wow!

We kicked off our Easter week with a visit to the creepy Easter bunny at the mall.  Us Morrison's sure love our family play nights and dinners at the mall so creepy or not, we were going!  The kids didn't seem traumatized and in fact, we surprisingly left tearless!  Success numero uno!

We had a wonderful Saturday morning at Nana's house!  Her home community set up an incredible Easter parade celebration for kids complete with bouncy houses, face painting and fire trucks :)  Not to mention, Nana surprised Avery and Warner with their own special Easter egg hunt at her house with hot wheels and necklaces galore!  They did manage to find some candy in a few eggs and naturally found that a little more enticing than the amazing lunch she prepared for us!  At least Chris and I enjoyed the delicious food spread!  Thank you again, Glenda!  :)

The Easter Bunny has arrived!! 

Then off to Shannon and David's incredible church in Queen Creek!  What an inspiring service and real approach.  It would truly be worth the hour drive each Sunday for that great experience.  All the while, Aves and Warner got to spend time with their cousins, Brady & Hudson in the kid's section of the church.  Easter songs and more egg hunting.  I'm pretty sure they'd go back too!

Jimmy & Angela hosted yet another amazing holiday celebration with food I could eat every day!  I guess I owe that compliment to Angela and Celeste!!  Yuuuum!  The kids were spoiled with even more Easter gifts and great company as always.  One of the best Easter's yet!

Such a wonderful reminder of the blessing Christianity can bring into one's life and therefore, you're family's.

I love my family!

Pre-sugar rush!

Thankful for an amazing Easter, all our blessings and He who is responsible for it all!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year Everyone!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year's celebration(s)!  We surely did and were blessed with an abundance of quality family time!

Avery and Warner continue to grow like weeds!  The last two months have been consistently busy as I've been working hard on my Organizing blog (www.kelleymorrison.com) and now writing for Scottsdale Moms Blog twice a month.  They have been such enjoyable outlets to my life and have already pushed me to grow in ways I was hoping to!  Naturally, I hope this year brings with it even more growth and enjoyment in both those areas!

With that said, nothing can beat the quality time I have with my kiddos!  Yes.  There have been days filled with more time-outs and pee-pee-on-the-floor-clean-ups than I would hope for.  There are days when I question my role as a mother and if I'm ever falling short of their needs.  As they grow and I grow into motherhood, I'm realizing the internal strength it calls for.  Testing the bottle temperature to now praying your time-out was justified is this fascinating evolution of being a parent.  I'm three years in and realizing just how much I need to "buck up".  What an incredible challenge God has given us.  What an incredible gift.  To give you something you love beyond measure, beyond description and then, well...the rest is up to you.  Among many, one of my favorite quotes my Dad says rings through my mind on a daily basis:  "Have the courage to be the parent".  They test you and test you some more.  I know I'm usually so gushy about being a parent on this blog and may imply it's effortless.  It's the opposite.  I don't know what I'm doing and surely didn't receive an instruction manual.  I pray I never fail them.  I know I will and have already.  I question myself all the time but deep down know that's healthy; I'm engaged.  I'm so crazy in love with these two, I can't imagine placing my energy elsewhere.

My point in saying all this?  Is that behind every claim of thankfulness, being blessed and so rewarded is genuine.  It's hard and it pushes me.  And I love that.

This past year has been filled with incredible memories and some trying times.  Aren't they all?  I look forward to many more memories in the year ahead and hope to share more of them with you all than I did last year!  ....hey, I said hope!  ;)

Now.  Haven't you been missing those Zoo pictures?  Me too!

Picnic at the Zoo!

Cheeeeeeeeeeeezzzz!

I love this face.

We had the most wonderful New Year's Eve celebration at The Brigham's!  They somehow pulled off the BEST party for both parents and kids!  With 15+ kiddos running around (ages 1-7??), we had Princess Parades and rowdy boys everywhere!  

And what better kid friendly activity than fire sparklers?  Yes. Yes we did!  And although there was only one small stroller fire, all kids were accounted for and intact for their Apple Cider toast!  Does it get better?  Nope!  Too much fun for words!

Not dangerous at all!

Happy New Year!!