Ava's First Day of Kindergarten!

We've been talking about Kindergarten since Pre-K graduation in May, it feels like forever ago. We've spent all Summer long continuing to help her learn and grow as a student. And now it's here. Ava started kindergarten this week. 

I can hardly believe my little girl is old enough to go to school. It makes all my emotions as a mama run high and gives me all sorts of glimpses into the future. I'm a planner, over thinker and sharer by nature. Already my mind is thinking about all the things she'll learn and do as a kindergartner. I'm already thinking about how we'll be involved at her new school as a family. 

One thing is certain, we are in a new season and new phase of life for sure. 

As we prepared all summer, as uniforms were dropped at our doorstep by the postman and as I took my two little ones to buy school supplies it all became so real in those moments that this was happening. 

I'm not wishing it away, I love watching her grow and learn new things. I was more emotional dropping her off last year at Pre-K than I was this year. This year, it's so different. She's so confident, she's so ready. 

She's taking on her role as a big girl and owning it. And I couldn't be more proud of her for being brave. Being brave at a new school where she knows no one, and making new friends. Being brave to leave the comforts of being at home at day for school. 

When we drooped her off this week on the very first day she confidently walked in, sat at her desk, smiled and waved bye to me and her brother. 

As we were walking away Zane burst into tears screaming " I miss Aba." My heart melted for him, but I knew her home coming at the end of the day would be just as sweet for him and it was. He missed her so much that first day and the next he kept asking when we were gonna go get her. So so sweet. 

So now as we enter a new phase of life, of parents of a school age kid I look forward to all that it will bring. I'm looking forward to seeing how she grows this year. I'm looking forward to being involved in her school and education. And feeling extremely blessed to have her at the school she's at. 

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Ok, mamas. Who sent their kiddos back to school this week? Tell me your stories in the comments below. Any other kinder mamas out there? 

A Day in June.

It's been a while since I've shared a day in the life video! We filmed this video a couple weeks back, one of our first days at home since Ava completed school and is out for the Summer. We're for sure spending our days lazy this summer with little to no agenda. 

Couple things to note; I'm in my workout clothes much of this video, even after working out. I'm not wearing any makeup because that's how I roll on days at home.

What are your days looking like this summer?

Happy 5th Birthday Ava!

Today our sweet baby girl turns five. I can hardly believe that this milestone is already here for her and our family. Five years ago today, she made me a mama. She made us parents and what a joyful ride it's been.

She's kinda, smart and sweet. She is sensitive and caring towards others. She loves people deeply already. She is strong willed and one day I know she'll change the world. 

She loves Jesus. She has shown me even more these last five years how deep the Father's love for us is, and she doesn't even know it. Sometimes I think she's taught me more than I've taught her. 

Happy 5th Birthday Ava! from Andrea Worley on Vimeo.

I'm so glad she's ours, and we're so proud to be her Mommy & Daddy. We love you Ava, Happy Birthday! 

A Day in February.

I love documenting life, I consider myself the family memory keeper. Recording a 'day in our lives' once a month is not only fun but also a great way for us to look back on that season and see what we were up to.

My kids love filming videos with me too. This day in the life video is a bit longer than usual only because my kids got super involved. I filmed this last week, I hope you enjoy it.

Tell me, how do you keep memories for your family. What are your favorite ways? Do you like recording videos as well? Tell me in the comments below.

Sharing My "Me Time" Secrets.

“This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Weave Made Media® and PEOPLE StyleWatch®, InStyle®, but all my opinions are my own. #weavemade #MeTimeMags http://my-disclosur.es/RgFrEH”

One of the ways I promised myself I'd starting "thriving" in motherhood this year was taking time for myself. As a wife and mom both of those are my favorite and most important roles I'll probably ever have but it's important since I'm the one taking care of people all day errrday to make sure that I take time for myself too! 

I think this is an essential in mothering and I think all to often most mamas don't make time for themselves like they should. I'm guilty too. 

That's why this year I promised myself I'd change that. 

Wanna know my secret? 

I realized that this was so important for me to do, vital even for me to make time for. To take time during the week and recharge! I told my husband how important it was as well, and I just put it as part of my regular schedule. 

Usually once a week I like to get out of the house by myself, unplug and recharge. I run errands, sometimes I go get coffee and sometimes I walk the aisles of Target. 

I also love to steal away "me time" moments in my bedroom with some of my favorite magazines and Netflix! This past Saturday was the first Saturday we've had free in weeks. I took two hours that day and locked myself in my room with my PEOPLE StyleWatch® & InStyle® magazines, a beverage and my Netflix! 

It was a much needed break. Mamas need moments too. 

But I am reminded that they don't have to be grand or even expensive at all. Just little moments that you can relax and make time for yourself to feel better and in turn that makes you a better more patient mama! 

Right now at Safeway save $1 on one (1) participating magazine title PEOPLE, PEOPLE StyleWatch, Sunset, and InStyle available through the Just4U online portal 10/23/14 - 11/20/14 (while supplies last) go here to register for Just4U and get your coupon! 

What are some of your favorite ways as a mom to relax and have some "me time" moments? Share them with me in the comments below!