Loving letters!

Clair's love of letters continues! She's starting to write them. She just picks up a pencil and constructs them from her memory. It's rather amazing! Kindergarteners don't do this! She's so smart. I'm biased!

My kids, my world

My life would feel empty without my kids. They are my hearts desire since I can remember. They are my sole. Then there is work, and life, and the need to have a clean house, and other responsibilities. These things feel like they take up most of my actual time and leave my kids wanting my time. I don't know how to resolve this daily struggle and self disappointment. I am a harsh judge of myself. 

Max has said more then once recently that he was going to "cancel mommies work and tell them I can't come." I adore the innocence in this statement. I am guilty of wanted too much stuff to make that happen for the kids. 

My prayer is that my kids look back on their childhood knowing I tried my best and made hard choices thoughtfully. I hope we have given them decent role models as a basis for their life. And most of all I hope they always live knowing they are my heart. 

Here's a picture post Sunday school of the troop with their Holy Spirit fire crowns. May the Holy Spirit guide me daily. I actually helped out in Ellies class a bit Sunday. She was a perfect student. 

Love you kiddos!

We Love Each Other

Saturday night Clair wet the bed around 5 am. I got up with her and changes the sheets. I cleaned her up in the tub. We settled into her bed, and of course she wanted me with her to settle. I snuggle close. I love to snuggle her in her bed. We are facing each other. She pulls her face in close to mine and smiles. She looks me square in the eyes, smiling she says "we love each other, don't we?"  It was mostly a statement and she was looking for confirmation. I reply with a big smile, "yes sweetie we love each other very much."

This girl is so amazing. I love watching her grow. I love the way she uses her words. I love her sweet heart and innocent, honest nature. She is perfect! 

My Mothers Day 2016

I'm 39, my Mom is 63, Ellie is 8, Max is 5 and Clair is 3. This morning started out with extra snuggles in bed from Clair - nearly an hours worth. We watched TV, giggles lots, kissed, snuggled, and Clair even told Daddy it was Mommy and Clair special time. It was really sweet and I enjoyed it. Ellie also took my breakfast order and brought me delicious perfectly washed, perfectly cut, strawberries in bed as a lovely snack. David brought us girls our orange juice. 

We had breakfast and then took a look at the new house we are building. It made me a nervous wreck finding the wet house and things off spec, not to mention the graphitti. It was a rough start for me. Luckily David talked to the builder who planned to handle this and more already. 

Before going off for lunch and a movie with my mother, Ellie, Max and Clair took me off on a map les treasure hunt to find presents they made for me. It was very well planned and executed. The gifts were hand made and thoughtful. They are sweet kids and I love them so much!

Time with Mom was nice. We chatted, watches a new another's Day movie, and she helped me get this weeks shopping. It was relaxing. 

The evening entailed a dinner at a local Wallin place, pizza pretzel creations, followed by froyo at Sweat Frog, who happened to be honoring Mother's Day by giving all moms free yogurt. It was really thoughtful and sweet. 

When we got home, another fantastic part of my day was throwing the softball with Ellie. Tonight, she decided she could catch pop flies! And she sure can!!! I love watching her learn and pick up these new skills!

I am thankful for being a mom. Hopefully the kids know this. They are the best part of my life!

A day with Max

This Friday Max was supposed to go on his first field trip with his class to the Baltimore zoo. The forecast was 100% rain and cold in May. This is really unfortunate as Max can not stand getting wet, unless in the tub, and then barely. Clair and I were going to go with them because I had a hard time with the idea of him being there without me to keep an eye on him. 

As the weather became clear I was more and more dreadful. Max was excited. 

Friday morning when he got up I jokingly asked him if he wasn't sure he'd prefer to stay home for he day because it was going to be so wet and miserable all day. He thought for a second and said okay, we can go another time as a family. He decided to get excited about the opportunity I just presented him. I was so relieved and excited. After a few minutes I decided we would spend the day together since I had already taken it off work. 

We dropped Ellie at school. We started with sitting at Starbucks and enjoying some lovely beverages, online shopping for his friends birthday present, and then reading a couple bible stories. Next we decided to go see Disneys new Jungle Book Movie. We shared a popcorn and truly enjoyed the movie and each other's company. We had the whole theater to ourselves and Max was thrilled to get to have what he thinks are the best seat in the house - top center! He likes to be high up. 

We watched the movie and I let Max enjoy a LOT of popcorn. He was pretty brave. He only got scared a couple times, during which we snuggles. He is the sweetest boy!  

After the movie we had grabbed a pizza and soda, a couple groceries and headed home before Ms Sarah left. 

After putting Clair to bed, we finished an art project, built some Legos, read a couple stories and generally had a relaxing afternoon together. 

Max is really amazing company! I loved this time together. Thankful for his sweet nature, energy, and love!

My Mother's Day, little moments go by

She's trying to outgrow me. You never know when it might be the last time you get to rock and gold your sleeping child as they grow. I don't know when it happened with Max and Ellie, but it did. So many of those little moments go by. This is my Mother's Day treat to myself. I should wake her. Instead I am letting her keep sleeping, on my lap, a little while longer.