In the Merry Month of May- Part One

Always lots going on around here in the month of May...spring sports are in full swing, concerts, field trips, and more!

At the beginning of the month, we were fortunate to be able to attend the promotion ceremony for our neighbor.  He is in the Army and was being promoted to a Major.  It was wonderful to be a part of this celebration and very patriotic.  When we bought this home on this street many years ago, I didn't know it would become a "military street" with lots of military families leasing the homes.  Although we haven't enjoyed AT ALL saying good-bye to dear friends when their time here is done, we have grown to really appreciate the sacrifices that military families make.  It has been wonderful for our children to see this first hand.  Anyway, we were so happy to be with our neighbors for this special event, and we are so proud of all of them for all they have given to keep our country safe and free.  I have never met stronger women than military wives.

The next morning, we had another great experience...participating in the Walk for Diabetes at the zoo.  Jordan has 2 sweet friends who both have Type 1 Diabetes.  These girls are incredible...they don't let anything stop them...and you should see them play softball, basketball and soccer.  It amazes me to see how they have adapted to the challenges they have been given.  We were so happy to go and celebrate these girls!

It was a very happy day full of friendship and support.

 Of course, Cole loved the carousel and Luke was a long for the ride!

We are planning to take this same picture of these kiddos every year until they are too big to fit on the hippo!

Thanks to those who "bought shoes" from Jordan and Regan to support diabetes research.

Regan enjoyed a day of pampering...she and her friend got manicures and pedicures for this cute gal's birthday.

Jordan had an all district orchestra concert on the same night that Regan had a softball game.

                             

For Activity Days at church, we had a special Moms and Muffins evening.  It was fun to spend time together learning more about moms and daughters.  I love this assignment to work with the 8-11 year old girls.  Ashton will be turning 12, so she will be leaving this great program, while the following week Regan will turn 8 and begin the program (Regan has snuck into a few activities already since I have to be there!)

Cole and I got to go on a special "date" to Chick-Fil-A.  They had a special knight themed Mother/Son event.  We loved "doubling" with our friends...and my friend and I learned that 5/6 year old boys are interesting dates...they tend to be very hyper and rough and tumble.  Nevertheless, one on on time together is always rewarding!

This little guys is growing so fast!  He is super opinionated and makes sure his voice is heard!  He is not walking yet but is getting close!  I have high hopes that he will be a better eater than some family members.  We shall see.

I had a very special Mother's Day.  My family really spoiled me and made me feel very loved.  It is nice to have older children who can "help" dad with the plans.  I enjoyed a lovely breakfast and gifts.

My family put together this frame from our fall photo shoot.  Love it!

And of course, some pictures before church...so important to me to get those shots with each child.  What I wouldn't give for some more pictures with my mom!

At church, Tod gave a wonderful talk on his own mother and how she has been there for him throughout his life.  It was beautiful...if one of my grown sons ever gave a talk like that, I would feel that I had fulfilled my earthly purpose!  Truly, Cindy raised an amazing son, and I am blessed to be married to him.

A few days before Mother's Day, I had all 5 children at the store, and we were scrambling to get some cards to send to Grandma Cindy and Grandma Patsy- two amazing women in our lives.  Well, when we finally settled on some, we obviously didn't open them until much later.  I had a good chuckle...it seemed representative of our crazy lives at this point.  We tried!

More of May to share coming soon!

April Little Things

Some things that happened around here in the month of April:

Jordan had a choir concert at her school.  They sang songs from Broadway, and it was just wonderful.  She got to sing part of "For Good" from Wicked with a small group.  So proud of her!  Hooray for fabulous music teachers and music in the schools.

Jordan also started up her competitive soccer season.  She has been playing goalie and learning so much. These pictures Tod took of her are some of my favorite.  Ever.  We love soccer.  We love Iowa.  These pictures capture both.

Getting everyone ready for morning church by myself (because Tod is already there) is a huge task...we are always scrambling to the very last minute...but it is so worth the effort. I thought everyone looked so happy on this day...and Ashton and Jordan looked so grown up.  My heart is full.

Cole had kindergarten round-up.  He was so excited and picked out his own outfit for the event.  He strutted into the school like he owned the place. I reflected on how differently I feel as he gets ready to go off to school as opposed to when Ashton did.  I still got a lump in my throat when he went off with the teachers...but I know the excitement and learning that awaits him.  He is ready for the next phase of life. Still, I will miss him so much next year.

We always enjoy celebrating Easter, and this year we studied different events from the Bible on each day of the Holy week.  We also dyed Easter eggs with our neighbors which was lots of fun.

Here we are on Easter morning.

Luke got a major haircut the night before Easter:

Poor Jordan had been gone the whole day before at the Easter Bunny Bash softball tournament...she was so tired but had to pull herself together to get to church.

Our Easter 2014 family photo:

Regan finally got to start softball, and she was ready to go!  She has a great coach and LOVES having her friends on the team.

And Cole started baseball...finally a boy playing baseball...we have waited a long time!

Regan had jersey day at school and wore the Cardinals jersey that Tod got in Korea a few years back.

I have no idea why I don't have many pics of Ashton.  I guess because she is gone a lot.  She has been busy with school and violin and soccer too.  She has also been participating in track...I wish I had some pics but somehow it is just not cool in middle school for your mom to always be snapping photos!  It is hard to believe that 6th grade is almost over...she has done so well.  And no pictures of Tod either...I will have to make sure and fix that for the month of May!