Proud mama moments

The election of our new president-elect Donald Trump has created a little bit of anxiety for our precious daughter.  I just hate seeing her filled with worry.  She's been fearful of things like the return of slavery (not sure where she got that from) and of course, she's heard about the "WALL"  We have been reminding her that one of the benefits of living in America is that our government is a series of checks and balances, and that one person even though they are the president doesn't hold all the power.  Furthermore, yesterday she asked me about ISIS.  Again, not a conversation you love to have with your precious 10-year-old!  I want to assure her that she is safe, but at the same time, I don't want to create false security for her as well.  I talked about how they were a group of evil people who sometimes do evil things because they believe their "god" honors their sacrifice.  We also talked about how our government has people like "spies" who try to seek out members of ISIS and stop them before they can hurt people.  Age 10 just seems so young for the real world to come crashing in!  I just want to protect her a little longer!

On a happier and lighter note, we received Lily's report card this week and had her parent-teacher conference and we could not be more pleased!

Not only is she doing well academically, but she is excelling at being an amazing human being.

Her report card read:  Lily is an empathetic and compassionate member of the classroom, sought after as a friend and work partner.  She fosters integrity, honesty, and fairness in all that she does, and acts responsibly in regards to the larger classroom community by her actions.

Lily for PRESIDENT!!!

One proud mama!

During her conference, which was led by Lily, Lily stated repeatedly that she was really proud of her NEAT work and that if she could improve one thing, she would do her work in cursive!:)

October whirlwind

I simply love October!  We have so much fun as a family and this October was no exception.

We had a super fun Halloween.  Lily had such a creative costume!  A pretty peacock!  She even won the costume contest at Awanna for having the most colorful costume.  The kids tore up pop-pop's neighborhood.  I think they have enough candy to last a while!  She also carved an adorable kitty pumpkin

adorable!

My beautiful peacock

Back of costume

We went away for the weekend to an amusement park for Ashton called diggerland, but I think Lily had a good time with our friend Rudy!  They got to actually steer and drive a backhoe, a mini Land Rover, and a Work Max truck.  I think she really enjoyed that!  I think her favorite was the Workmax truck as it was like driving a real vehicle!

Lily and the backhoe!

We also got to enjoy a fall festival with our cousins Kodi and Aly.  The kids enjoyed jumping on the jumping pillow and walking through the corn maze. Of course, while Ashton and Lily frequently bicker and get on each other's nerves occasionally they smile and give me a sweet picture!

I adore their faces here

 

Lily has also had the opportunity to embrace her artistic side both at school and at a special camp at a local art studio.  Her self-portrait artwork was featured in her school's blog. She was so proud of herself!  I know I am really impressed plus I love how she used Guatemalan colors and patterns.

Lily self-portrait

Earlier this month at the art studio she did this mixed media project and yesterday she did a sugar skull.  Again absolutely talented!

Mixed Media

Like I said last month I keep trying to keep Lily little, but time marches on.  She lost her very lost tooth this month.  She was very sad.  She wrote the tooth fairy this endearing letter!  She's been sad that the tooth fairy will no longer be coming to visit her.  #growinguppains  Mama on the other hand has been feeling a little torn about the tooth fairy wondering if it's time to break the magic spell, but for now the magic is still alive and well in our household.