Bubbles and Blooms

Spring has sprung! The kids (and Mommy too) are soaking up every bit of sunlight while running along the sidewalks, throwing balls at each other, riding bikes, and much more. The parks are full of action too! We are now waiting for the beautiful flowers to bloom and the grass to turn green again. I can imagine that Daddy is not overly excited about that. Landscaping is certainly not our forte.

My nerves have settled a bit now since both of my parents are back in the United States. My Dad and step-mom went on a Panama Canal cruise and visited various islands too. Mom was in China for the first time, and from her e-mails, it sounds like she had a memorable trip. I can't wait to hear all about their trips.

It's friday afternoon, on the last friday of March. I have a feeling that April will be a busy month getting the kids organized for the summer, getting ready for Daddy's 30th birthday surprise, and attempting to paint the interior of the house. Busy days, and fun days ahead.

April 1st is the most crowded day on my calendar for birthdays. HAPPY BIRTHDAY cousin Tim, "Grand" Florrie, and my friend Colleen. If I knew how to post video, I'd have Juliana sing for you. She loves to sing HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Kids Say The Darn'est Things

Here's a silly entry, rather than a "we did this, we did that" entry. The other day on the way home from school Juliana says to me (maybe not exact quotes, but you get the idea)...

"Mommy, I was Glenn today at school."

"What do you mean you were Glenn at school today?"

"Is Glenn 16 and in high school Mommy?" (Glenn is Jason's cousin, Kathy's sister's son. Make sense? GOOD!)

"Yes, I think Glenn is 16, but I know he is in high school."

"Oh good, because I was playing with Raven and I was Glenn and she was Lauren, because Lauren is bigger than me and is in college. Raven isn't bigger than me though. She's only 4 and she's a toddler, I think."
-----------------------------------------------
Yesterday... also on the way home from school...

While waiting at a red light, I hear, "When is Grandpa coming back to Michigan?"

"I don't know when he will be visiting again."

"I really want him to visit so I can have some fresh Dunkin' Donuts!! Do you really want a coffee right now with ice in it?"

AFTER I PICKED MYSELF OFF THE FLOOR FROM LAUGHING, I SAID...

"I'd love a coffee with some ice in it. Do you have one?"

"No, but Dunkin Donuts does!"
-----------------------------------------------
I went to Juliana's spring parent/teacher conference this morning, and learned that Juliana is quite a leader in the classroom, and is excelling in math, language, and science. Her teacher even asked me if we are pushing for her to enter 1st grade next year. Noooooo! I love the fact that she is doing well in school, but I remember what being the youngest in class is like. If she was put into first grade next year, down the road, she will probably be struggling much more than if we leave her right where she is. I think she would be much better off in a leadership role. Time will tell.

By the way, Kevin is wonderful! He had his 18 month check up this week and is healthy, of course. He's 21 lbs, and full of energy!

Amazing Graces

This morning, while sitting in the pew during Mass, the pianist began playing "Amazing Grace". The congregation all sang without looking at the words, just as most people can do. Only about two lines of the song were sung when I nearly broke out in tears. If you asked me why, I probably could not give you an answer. It just seemed at that exact moment that life was coming together. Maybe it was because on Friday, Juliana received her acceptance letter into Kindergarten at the school we wanted her to attend, maybe it was because when the song began Juliana whispered "I love you Mommy" in my ear, or maybe it is just because that song gets me every time, no matter what the circumstances.

Life is good. I can't complain. There are a few things that I would change, although I am a lucky woman in so many ways. Many people are not so lucky in life. Thank you for making my life special! AMAZING GRACE how sweet the sound...