I am...

Greta's First Dance

Jack sends her away with hugs at every single goodbye.

The sweet couple is ready to go, and all dressed up!

And, Jack and I get to go out for a pizza!

Someone is excited !

Waiting patiently for cheese.

And, we all lived happily ever after. (after meeting up at Peach Wave to hear all about the dancing).

(Which was totally awesome...and included a love at first taste relationship with Lemon Drops, and sparkling punch in plastic champagne glasses.)

May

May day is one of my favorites.  We made little baskets with candy and flowers and ran over to our sweet neighbor's, Mike and Dottie.  We have done this every year since we moved into this house and I know Mike looks forward to it, but not more than me.  The kids ran up and placed the basket and almost forgot to ring the bell before running. Jack ran before the basket was down, but mostly in circles in the grass.  We ran and hid and peeked as he found our delivery and we giggled and fell out of hiding.  I hope little ones bring me flowers on May Day when I am old and wrinkled!

Then we ran and placed baskets on Caitlyn and Cam's door step and hopped in the car to visit nearby friends.  We also got treats on our doorstep and ate almost every piece of candy before dinner!

Bedtime came at dark, and right after everyone was tucked in tight, we got another knock at the door. Derek opened it to find a basket and a sweet little friend of Greta's giggling in the driveway. Greta came down in her pajamas and ran outside for hugs and some girl talk. How sweet to see gestures of kindness in children. I love it, so.  Happy May!

A Fabulous Field Trip

The Firsties at Bethany went to Crown Center for an ice skating trip and a tour of Chips Chocolate Factory.  We laughed so much at the chocolate factory! The fudge maker was hilarious and absolutely great with kids! He was flinging fudge to the ceiling tiles and dipping marshmallows for all of us.  He might actually have the best job in the whole wide world.  We found a group of tables in the food court and ate sack lunches. And, then we made our way to the ice after lacing up hundreds of ankles.  Was I scared? Yes. That is why I went on this field trip. I was there to try to hold my children up and to save their tiny fragile bones. I would sacrifice my own old bones to do it.  I was surprised to find that Greta's little crush swooped in and took her by the hand. He said, "I've got you." And, my heart exploded. Her smile has never been bigger. It was a Disneyland sized smile. And, Jack was left to me and the wall in his major distaste for this whole situation. Jack doesn't share Greta well. He also doesn't ice skate well. The trip ended up being thumbs down for him.  Together we chased Gigi around the rink with her bo, Topher. Jack's little voice screaming, "Gigi, you come back! Gigi, you wait for me!" made my heart shrink back to normal and I realized once again how this life thing is so bittersweet.  Good thing there is chocolate.

Gigi and Topher are holding hands...see the pink coat sliding away towards love?

Gig and Jack, together again.

We escaped without breaking bones and found someone didn't fare as well in the Oz exhibit.

Melting is Not an Option

 I assisted Laurel, who is Blue Bunny's Ice Cream Stylist.  I love making ice cream treats - especially the kind that don't melt!

As the saying goes, when it rains, it pours.  The past month jobs came my way like crazy and I took them in stride. But I missed my kids, and I missed teaching. I think that is the best way to find you are doing the thing you should be doing. I love ice cream, but I love ice cream eaters more. I am excited to be home schooling and I am so excited about all of the fun things we are planning...and the lazy days we are planning on doing nothing. Spring break is upon us and I noticed buds on the trees yesterday.  Soon we will be running through sprinklers and licking our chocolate fingers after eating the kind of sandwiches that DO melt. It makes me smile just thinking about it!

Valentine's Day Should Be Everyday....

...And that is why I am going to post about it in March!  We got a note home from Greta's Homeschool Academy teacher that the kids were supposed to bring a decorated bag to gather their Valentine's at the Vday party. We decided to make  pretty crepe paper cake and stick a giant glittery G on top. And, then we got to school and everyone else just had colored grocery bags!!! I felt like a pageant mom with an over styled kid! Oh, well, huh? Go big or go home, Greta, right?

Here is our Valentine Box....

Mimsy liked it a lot.

You never know what you're gonna get....but it doesn't matter because each one is PHENOMENAL!

Be mine, Jack. Love you, my little boy!

OXOX

This is How We Roll

I am pretty certain I mentioned a few post back that this year would be more calm and relaxed...less go go go. Well, I got that wrong, but we sure are having fun! I just haven't stopped to put it in writing.  If only I can remember what in the world just happened...

Greta drew this. She said, "Are you not impressed?" "Do you notice my beauty mark?" And then there is this face...what she calls her British face. I see it looking at me in the rearview mirror when we are tootin around town.

Speaking of the car, we got an electric car! We got a Nissan Leaf just after Christmas and it is so much fun to drive. It is so quiet and smooth. I start it from pushing a button or from my phone inside. I don't ever have to get gas again!! I just have to remember to plug it in when I get home...that, and my phone...and my iPad, and my computer... But, at least I save time not looking for my keys!

All is well, as long as we have enough juice to get to the donut store.  Jack and I go every Tuesday for a treat.  Jack, may you remember this about our Tuesdays rather than the hours you sit and wait for me to help the grade school kids with music. You are a golden child with the patience of a saint.  (Seriously, he sits for 30 minutes while I work with a group that does this thing called hand miming. Then we go and work with the choir for another hour, and then I help a group of soloist that are going to contest.  Jack waits for 3 hours...he deserves a dozen sprinkle donuts. And a hat.

Remember that home based business I mentioned? I am having great success with doTerra Essential Oils and I have found this incredible passion for learning more about them, sharing them and seeing those I care about feel better and live a healthier lifestyle. I traveled down to Cabot Arkansas 2 weekends ago to teach a class. I am traveling to Louisville Kentucky, Lexington Kentucky, Wichita Kansas and Tulsa Oklahoma.  I think I have found a niche....Never thought it would be in snake oil! Never knew I could feel so great!