New Halloween traditions

We decided to start a new tradition this year for Halloween... Having a child with a serious peanut allergy is nerve racking in itself, but walking from door to door and asking for candy, which 98% include peanuts or made in a factory with peanuts, and then telling your 3 year old she can't eat any of her new candy... It's harsh. Instead, we started a new tradition for our halloween a to come... We went to gaver tree farm's pumpkin patch and were the ONLY ones there!!!

It was SO much fun. 

We then made pumpkin cookies, carved jack-o-lanterns and watched Charlie brown's great pumpkin movie. 

We all had a blast and can't wait to go again next year. 

As for dressing up... Thank goodness ema and pa have a spectacular Halloween party each year!!

Pumpkin patch field trip

Claire and Laney. 

Best friends

Abundant love

I love her school

Great Frederick fair

We are fair junkies in this family... And my kids have no fear. This year they pet EVERY animal they could reach and both rode rides. We're going again. 

First full preschool day

Claire had her first full day of preschool yesterday and had a wonderful day! When we got into the car to leave she had her school bag and in it was a letter from daddy wishing her a great day. 

She is one lucky girl to have such a wonderful daddy! 

Oh, beach!

Stumbled upon some more beach photos... I'm missing the beach really bad this week. I wish we could go back!! Hoping we will have a vacation home on the beach by next summer where we can go every weekend if we want to!!. **fingers crossed** 

Photo credit: uncle Jamie 

Preschool

Today was the day. Not the REAL first day really... But it was the first day we took Claire to school. Parents were invited to stay with the children and learn about the classroom, the teachers and the routines. 

We were so lucky that daddy was able to take the morning off and come with us. 

Claire had no troubles at all, she walked right in, and went straight for the babies. Immediately, we noticed three little mommas of the class. Good thing there were 4 baby dolls... 

Each child has a cubby and coat rack. It was just crazy to see her name on it. I'm a mixed bag of emotions right now. Excited for this new adventure yet holding back the tears. I can't quite grasp the concept that Claire is a preschooler... But Thursday will come and I will be pushed to that realization quick. 

My sweet sweet little girl isn't to little anymore! Here's to a year full of adventure, education and blessings.

t.h.r.e.e

August 28, 2010 at 4:06pm, my life took new meaning. I was completed. I was whole. I was new. I was turned into something that I was meant to be, a mother. Every time a child is born, so is a mother. And the day this girl was born, so was I. 

The miracle I held in my arms was my new reason for existence, and she still is today. My, what she has taught me. 

Patience. I never knew true patience until this child. Patience is a hard virtue that you must learn on your own as yours gets worn thin. And kids have the best way of teaching it. 

Trust. I never knew what I could trust in until her sweet little life pushed me to my last boundary, to my last cord. I have learned to trust the most through her. 

Love. I don't think anyone knows the true meaning of love until they bear a child. And boy did my heart grow 3 sizes when she was born. 

Courage. She has taught me to be courageous, and power through all of life's obstacles. The toughest obstacle in life is raising children, and determining what is right and wrong and what you want them to take away from your guidance and knowledge. That takes courage. To keep your head held high when others disagree with your teachings, to stand your ground when you don't agree with theirs. Courage. 

Kindness. I have never known a small child to hold as much kindness in her heart as Claire does. It makes me reach down deep in my soul and try harder and harder each day to be kind to everyone. 

Joy. Oh, the joy this smile brings to me. It is contagious. And we soak it up every chance we get. 

As she has grown from a baby into a child, I want time to stop. Slow Down. 

God blessed us when he give us her. And I don't want to miss a minute of get precious life. 

Three years have gone by. Three precious years. The best three years of my existence. And I am looking forward to all of the years to come. With Claire Jane as my daughter, my best friend. 

Happy birthday to the most special 3 year old little girl we could ask for. Another year older, another year gone, another year growing into your own. We are so proud of you and who you have become. 

Queen of the waves

Sister had a fantastic time on vacation this year. I swear, it keeps getting better and better. The older she gets the more fun she has, and the more fun we have experiencing at all with her. She went to a water park, putt putt golf, swimming in the pool, building sand castles, getting ice cream (EVERY NIGHT) jumping waves and even took all her naps on the beach. She is a beach babe, and we are so grateful, because we live for the beach. Hoping we can have a family beach house in the next few years where we can come down all the time!! 

We LOVE the beach

The Busbey's are a beach family for sure... We are visiting Bethany beach and fenwick island this week. It is crazy hectic, with 7 children under 8 and 10 adults, but we wouldn't choose it any other way. We are making amazing memories. 

So much fun. More to come.