Naomi's first day of school!

Naomi started Mother's Day Out 2 weeks ago. We are so happy that she has the same teacher Ella had at age 2. On her first day, Naomi was excited to wear her backpack and did just fine when I dropped her off. However, she cried most of the day! Once we were home and she finished her nap, I realized she had a fever!

Thankfully, her next school day was much better. Here are some pictures before we headed off on her first day.

Off to Kindergarten!

Today is Ella's first day of Kindergarten! We have certainly sent her off before - she started daycare full time at 9 weeks old (!) and more recently attended Mother's Day Out 2 days per week. Nevertheless, it is a big milestone for all of us!

I just dropped Ella off and Naomi is not up yet. I wonder what she is going to think of Ella being gone most of the day?

Ella's teacher is very nice. She has been teaching K for 6 years and is the team leader for that grade. Here are some pictures: first back to school night this past Friday and then a few from this morning.

Sitting at "her" desk

Talking with her teacher

Outside the school Friday night

Our traditional first day poses

And on the front porch of the school just before drop off!

Vacation!

We just got back from a much needed and much enjoyed vacation! We stayed in one of the hotels outside of San Antonio that has extra fun pools. It was great. Short drive, relaxing water activities with no crowds, and we only left the hotel for dinner. We had considered going to the beach, mostly because our girls can dig in sand for hours. This was a great alternative, as there is a sandy beach. Here are some pictures:

Tex Mex night (the place had a playscape!)

The sandy beach

The Lazy River

Fun in the hotel room

Indoor sprinkler park

S'mores night (aka Naomi's first-but-not-last s'more)

Short trip to the riverwalk

Poppi Rawlings

Today is my Grandma and Poppi Rawlings' 66th wedding anniversary. Some of you know that Poppi passed away unexpectedly last month on 12/19. Today I thought I would share various thoughts and memories to celebrate their anniversary. I know this is a tear-jerker, but I'm just so proud of Poppi that I needed to take the opportunity to share.

Things I miss about Poppi:
- his unending love and loyalty to Grandma
- holding his hand whenever we sat by each other
- watching him play with my kids, especially playing "dealership" with Ella
- his long stories
- the smell of his aftershave
- his enjoyment of dark chocolate, pretzels and "well done" (overcooked) food

Here are some of my favorite recent pictures of Poppi:








And here is the obituary my Mom and I collaborated on:

Billie George Rawlings passed away on Saturday, December 19, 2009 at his home in Meridian, MS. Billie, also known by his family as "Poppi", was born on August 25, 1925 in Meridian, MS. He attended Meridian schools. He had one brother, Rodrick "Bobby" Parker Rawlings.

On Jan. 11, 1944, Billie married his high school sweetheart and the "catch of his life", Marie Kennedy Shirley. The two enjoyed 66 happy years of romance. Their favorite activities were traveling, watching football and serving at their church together.
Billie joined the Navy at the age of 17 and served in WWII as well as the Korean War. He then was a Policeman for the Meridian Police Department. His career culminated with service as a medical technician in the Mississippi Air National Guard at Key Field, where he was known affectionately as "Doc" and respected by all. He retired in 1985 after 36 years of service.

Mr. Rawlings volunteered much of his time to The Episcopal Church of the Mediator in Meridian. He served as a Licensed Lay Reader/Chalice Bearer, Sr. Warden, Jr. Warden, Parish Administrator and Usher. Billie was also recognized by the High School Activities Association for 21 years as a football referee. He was a Red Cross Water Safety Instructor and a Scout Master for the Boy Scouts. One of Billie's favorite pastimes was fishing in the nearby lakes.

Survivors include his wife, Marie of Meridian, son, Leonard "Lindy" Rawlings, Sr. and his wife Betty of Starkville, MS, daughter Dianne Wilbur and her husband Fred of Austin, TX, grandchildren, Lindy Jr., Breland, Lisa, Lexi, and Chad, great-grandchildren, Heather Allene, Olivia Marie, Andrew Parker, Evan, Grayson, Ella Marie and Naomi Catherine.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to The Church of the Mediator or The American Heart Association. Honorary pallbearers will be Charles Godwin, Michael Godwin, Douglas Latham and Marlon Sparks. The family would like to express sincere appreciation to Mertha and Charles Godwin, neighbors for over 50 years for their abiding friendship, constant care and concern.

Services for Billie George Rawlings will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. with Rev. Helen Tester officiating. Interment will be in the church Columbarium with Robert Barham Family Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be held Tuesday, one hour prior to the service at the church.
Published in The Meridian Star from 12/27/2009 - 12/29/2009