Goings on

What a joy, my husband and I have been able to have two, count them...TWO, dates this month. My husband turned the whopping 35 this month. When asked as to what he might like for his birthday his response was sweet; "A date with my wife, without the kids, and without having to feel like we needed to hurry home to re-leave the babysitter." His request became my command. I put some feelers out to see if my mother would be open to coming for a visit, I was ecstatic that she said yes. Arrangements were made, and my mother came.

Not only does my husband get his birthday wish, but I get a bunch of things done that would have taken me longer by myself. One of the big things I had planned for the summer was getting my almost 5 year old ready for Kindergarten. Grandma has taught Brianna many letters using the Spaulding phonics program she used on my siblings for years now. She had been learning her alphabet here and there and practicing as well, but I didn't feel she was really going to be ready in time. Grandma has her writing as well as her 2nd grade brother (keep in mind he is a BOY, and penmanship is NOT something he feels the need to improve upon). Brianna is even reading a few words using this method. Here is a sample of her mad writing skilz:

Joseph had been working hard, or should I say finally focusing on earning straight "A"s this last quarter. Guess what, HE DID IT!! Yep, I'm a proud mom. He told me today that he got something just out of the blue at school. Luckily his teacher was right there and let me know that she had to pick out someone who had 'worked really hard' to award this "FUN" Reward Party. It allows the recipient and "5" friends of his choice to: 2 Slices of a one topping pizza, 16 oz cup of soda, 6 tokens, and 2 ride attraction tickets at the Las Vegas mini Gran Prix Family Fun Center. Pretty exciting for a little guy. I wonder who his friends will be?

Kaitlynn has been progressing with friendly competition as her sister has been writing, she thinks she should be able to do everything her sister does. I'm sure she will be more than ready for Kindergarten and might even get bored with it in the two years she has to wait. She will totally enjoy more time with momma only having to share with one sister while Brianna is off at school.

Elizabeth has been sleeping more and thus growing like a weed! While her sisters are working on their "Letters" she has been working on some sign language as well as 'new' words. She is getting pretty polite as well. We have been really working on the concept of 'sharing' which is important in a semi-large family. She also forgets to be gentle with littler folk. Not that she has much to worry about at home, but out and about she's kinda a bully. Once reminded she often can show a more gentler side by petting the victim. She never gives her momma a dull moment! If it's quiet, go look for her, Grandma has learned the hard way. She loves to play in the water and can quickly turn a carpeted (crazy, I know, but we haven't tiled yet) master bath room into a swamp land. She also is very clever and knows how to work 'child proof' anything. It's a challenge and she must conquer.

That's pretty much it for now. I'm extremely grateful my mom was "unemployed" enough to be able to come for a visit and to employ her skills on my children during this time. I should also mention she is willing to house & dog sit, cover for me in my nursery calling while we go to a family reunion in Florida. For a month! Yep, she's a GREAT mom!

It takes a village for a reason...

Summer in Spring

I don't know why every year I am surprised at how soon summer hits in Las Vegas. I've lived here for over 12 years (!) and each year it's the same (HOT early). I've already turned my A/C on, but not yet all day. We get super cranky, OK...I get super cranky, at our house when the heat shows up. This year I was able to hold out until the start of May, in most recent years I've been pregnant and really couldn't bare the temperature being over 75. Looking back, even in earlier years of living here, my cousin/room-mate called me "75 degree girl". What can I say, I am an Oregonian through and through.

One of the things I do look forward to in summer is playing at the water parks (not something they have a lot of in Oregon, you pretty much just go outside, on any given day, to the water falling from cloud shaped water fixtures). In Vegas, as summer progresses, we have to get there earlier and earlier to avoid the excessive heat. Last week we hit a water park nearby with some friends.

Oh, to be a little girl again! No cares in the world, heat doesn't bother you, and it is ok to run around in your bathing suit 1/2 the day.

Who am I kidding, I'd just like to be "little" again.

Did I mention another good thing about summer is: Ice cream tongues!

Shout out to all the moms I know!

Dear Lord, it's such a hectic day
With little time to stop and pray
For life's been anything but calm
Since You called on me to be a mom
Running errands, matching socks
Building dreams with building blocks
Cooking, cleaning, and finding shoes
And other stuff that children lose
Fitting lids on bottled bugs
Wiping tears and giving hugs
A stack of last weeks mail to read
So where's the quiet time I need?
Yet when I steal a minute, Lord
Just at the sink or ironing board
To ask the blessings of Your grace
I see then, in my small one's face
That you have blessed me
All the while
And I stop to kiss

That precious smile

Here is a poem I found that touched my heart. I often get caught up in the mundane every day business of life and need to be reminded that it is just that; busy stuff. I know, with all my heart, that family is one of the most important things in this world. That my part as a mother is crucial. When I think of ways I can impact the future (of this country or this world) I must remember how much influence I wield through just raising my children.

I am thankful to God for the opportunity to be a mom, to take part in His "Great Plan of Happiness", and to raise the children He has blessed me with. I, like the author of this poem, pray for the blessings of His grace and find myself realizing just how blessed I am already.

Hope you enjoy your

To my little sister