Last Day of School

We had excellent teachers this year and learned a lot...but no matter what, the last day of school is still so exciting and fun! Can't wait for all of our summer adventures.

She is 8!

Today is Ashton's 8th birthday!!!! That seems impossible to me, that I have an eight year old. I remember her birth with so much happiness and excitement to become a mother. Today is cloudy and a bit rainy, just like it was 8 years ago. I am especially proud of Ashton this year. She has overcome challenges and is working on hard things. She is a great person who always expects a lot from herself. I also expect a lot from her and don't always thank her for doing all that she does. She is very smart, is an excellent reader and does so well in school. She makes friends easily and is concerned about others. She tries new things and is sensitive and loving. And this kid can play harder than anyone I know. Whether it's swimming, biking, being outside or make-believe, no one can outlast her when it comes to playing.

These pictures are of Ashton this morning before school. I just returned from having lunch with her and tonight, Tod and I are going to take her out to dinner, just the 3 of us which is a real treat. Then we will have cake and ice cream and presents. This weekend is Ashton's baptism and she is ready and excited. We are all looking forward to this event!

The Last Few Weeks

May is always such a busy month and this year has been no exception! We are enjoying the great weather and many fun activities. Here's what has been keeping us busy:

I held my spring piano recital on May 11, and it went really well. This year I have had 13 students, and everyone of them made me so proud at the recital! They are all so unique and special to me. Teaching piano this year has been a sacrifice for my family in some ways, but the recital made it worthwhile. It was so rewarding to see the progress that my students made.

I also finished up another semester of work on my Masters Degree. This semester I was able to carpool to Iowa City with 2 of my class mates. These girls are so different from me and on the surface we really didn't have much in common...but we really managed to become good friends through our semester together. This experience really reminded me that "different is good." My final project was a case study that I conducted on Jordan's literacy. It was so neat to do a project on something that I care so much about.

Ashton has been playing soccer again this year. I didn't get to as many of the games as I would have liked, but I was tickled to see the improvement she has made and all that she has learned. I am glad that she enjoys team sports.

Regan had her last day of preschool. She had a great year and it was so fun for her to go to the same school that Ashton attended. The teachers are just so nice, caring and down to earth.

Some of my very favorite people came to visit last week- my sister Katy, her husband Nick, and my nephew Sutton. We had a great time going to the museum, swimming, and going on walks. It was so fun to get to know Sutton better- he is adorable and funny and he eats a ton! Nick did some yard work for us which was so nice. He likes to talk as much as I do, so we always have a great time visiting. What can I say about my Katy? I love that girl and no matter how long it's been, we always have the same close bond. She is an amazing mom and career woman, and also such a loving aunt. I was sad when the George family left. Thank goodness we will see them again in just a few weeks!

Mom's Day

I had a great Mother's Day...complete with handmade gifts/cards, items from my "wish list", special songs sung by my girls at church, and a yummy meal with some of my favorite friends. It was a good day.

Of course, my thoughts are never far from my own mom. But instead of feeling sadness for her not being here, I tried to focus on what she gave me....a love of motherhood. From an early age, I can remember really knowing that my mom loved being a mom! It always seemed to be her highest priority. And I can truly say that I, as well, love motherhood. It is extremely hard and a lot of work, and I have much improving to do...but I do love it. I think I value it even more because my time with my mom was far to short.

I have been blessed with an amazing mother-in-law and a special step mother. We probably don't recognize them enough on Mother's Day, because it is a little bit of a tough day for me. I'm glad that they understand. I am thankful to both of these women for being there for me and for my kids as wonderful grandmas. I am thankful to my mother-in-law for raising a righteous, patient son. She did a good job!

I am also thankful for my grandmas, especially my Grandma Betty. She is such an incredible person who has played such a big role in my life. She has spent her life taking care of others, including my mom. Now, Gram's own health is declining and she is suffering. It is hard to accept, but now it is our turn to take care of her. I feel so helpless being so far away from her. Even with her pain and discomfort, she tries to be upbeat and positive on the phone and always wants to know about my family. And she still sends cards for every birthday, event and holiday. I love her.

Happy Mother's Day Everyone!

What a difference a day makes....

Today, Cole got a haircut from Dad. Another great friend snapped a picture of him at Ashton's soccer game this morning (good thing I have friends with nice cameras, right?) I can't believe how grown up my baby boy looks.

This Guy...

This guy is really something. Yes, he needs a hair cut and yes, I am having a hard accepting the fact that he is no longer a little baby! My friend took this amazing picture of Cole today...love him so much. Also, love the one of me and my "littles" as I call my 2 youngest. This is my life...

Memories of March

Tod was travelling for almost the entire month of March, so we had some adventures. This was unchartered territory for me as he has never been gone for that long before. What an experience! He spent the first week of the month in Texas and he was then home for 2 days before leaving for Washington DC. While he was home we celebrated Cole's 1st birthday! We had to squeeze the celebration between about 5 other events, but we got it in!

Things to remember about Cole's big day- how much he loved his CAT ride on truck, how much his sisters smothered him with love, how much he hated the cake, and how much we absolutely adore that boy!

The following weekend was the annual St. Patrick's Day Race. For us, this has been an Iowa tradition but I hesistated to sign the girls up this year since I knew I would be on my own. But, I decided to buck up and we made it to the race (on time!) and had a lot of fun (in the rain!).

About the time I thought I was going to go insane, my dear sis, Melissa arrived with her two girls. She literally saved me! She was such a good help to me and an absolute delight to have a round. We survived 10 days with 6 children under the age of 7 and actually fared pretty well! (Only one trip to the urgent care!) So thanks to Mel for cooking, cleaning, tending, listening, consoling, laughing, remembering, being silly, being patient and just loving us for us. It is sometimes scary to let someone see all your family's "dirty laundry" (figuratively and literally!). She was a great sport and I missed her and Maya and Skye so much when they left....still do. Can't wait to see them this summer.

We picked Tod up at the airport on March 26 and boy, were we thrilled to see that guy. I was so excited, I mangaged to get us lost on the way to the airport (yes, the local airport)! He is an incredible dad and husband with such a huge presence/role in our family. The day he left was so depressing for all of us. When he is gone, he is someone you really miss...and we were so ready to have him back!