Back to School 2015

Summer has come and gone and the school year came upon us far more quickly than any of us imagined. It was a whirlwind summer, full of laughter, adventure, travel, learning and growth.

But, the school year snuck up on us nonetheless. 

 We did our annual back to school hair cuts and shopping with Papa Jim. 

 And since Maya is starting school this year too, she joined us in our annual back to school manicures too! What a special tradition with these young beauties! 

 First day of first grade deserves a cake!!

 First day of preschool and Maya loved it! How on earth do I have two kids in school?!

Praying for safety and happiness, valuable friendships and character building for these sweet girls. May the Lord protect them in all they do! 

Maya - Three Years Old

Last month, we celebrated our this sweet girls birthday. It's still hard to believe that she is already three years old, and a full fledged big kid. No diapers. No pacifiers. Big Girl bed. She's growing up, and what a wonderful little girl she is becoming.


I love Maya's optimism and adventure for life. No ride is too big for this little girl. In fact, sometimes I pray for a healthy level of fear to encompass her as she is so confident and fearless, it is sometimes dangerous.

We began the big day with a pancake breakfast, then ventured to the zoo where we were blessed with amazingly perfect weather! We rode the carousel, observed noisy monkeys and celebrated life to the fullest! Family time is truly wonderful!

 Maya is truly Mommy's little buddy, and we share much more in common than a birthday. We love to craft, sew, cuddle, and crave adventure. We hate shoes and prefer to be barefoot. We love warm weather, the ocean and sand. Sunshine truly makes us happy and we can feel more alive when the sun warms our skin. We are peas in a pod and this little girl is always by my side!

Maya helping me sew

Miss Maya, you are a delight. I am honored to be your momma. Thank you for your constant love, happiness, joy and adventure. Though, the adventure of you stripping at the store last week and running around naked does not need to be relived again anytime soon. :)

Bye Bye Crib!

We knew this day was coming. In fact, we held out longer making this transition than we had with Elliana. After all, Maya is our baby! Our last born! But, we could hold out no longer....we have a trip quickly approaching and Maya simply won't fit into a pack and play any longer. She needed to get ready for a big kid bed!!

In traditional Berndsen family tradition, we took a photo documenting Maya's last night in her crib. We had already given her room a fresh coat of paint changing it from a "nursery" to a "big kid room" with just the removal of brown and the addition of gray. Disassembling the crib and making the move to her new bed was the last step.

The next morning we began taking apart the crib that has been a part of our house the last 6 years! I was determined to not cry, as this was a good thing. But, a bitter sweet reminder of just how quickly the time goes.

Practicing in her new bed...

Comfy and Cozy with her new bedding

Currently we have her bed on the ground to make it as low to the ground as possible, and get her comfortable with her new big kid bed!

Big Kid room in the making, with a few friends to join her!

The first night...Maya went to bed like a champ! She crawled right into bed, fell right asleep! It was hard to believe it was that easy!! Well, it was until 2:00 when a bad dream awoke her and kept her awake most of the night.

Night #2, was MUCH better. Pre-bed time, Daddy removed all "scariness" that Maya was concerned about and tucked her in tight. Just look at those cuties smiling so proudly. Maya slept all night long and even slept in until 8:30 am! Whew! What a big girl!!

And tonight marks night number three. We officially have a big girl on our hands. Maya, we are so very proud of you and all that you have accomplished! 

Sew Much Fun

I've been dabbling in sewing off and on for a few years now. I don't consider myself very good nor am I quick; but I am learning, determined and have two very big fans who keep cheering me on. 

My fans are also my biggest helpers. 

 I frequently have faces peeking over my shoulder investigating my work, asking questions and offering advice. In fact, I have faces so frequently while sewing, I began carrying my phone with me to snap photos of my little helpers.  :)

As soon as the girls went to bed I was able to finish up this week's project. A patchwork Frozen skirt. I was so excited I was tempted to wake Elliana up to try it on so I could sew the elastic shut. But, I know better than to wake a sleeping babe, even if she's 5. 

So, I'll debut it to you, my few and loyal blog followers first, as I can't contain my excitement any longer.

 And because I know my next project of a matching skirt for Maya is already on my mind...