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."
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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!"
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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...

Special Days Ahead

An incredibly busy few weeks are coming up, and I know that I will not be on google to make an update. This is just a HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Granny (90th) and to my Dad (I'll wait for a milestone to publish that)! A birthday dinner with Grandpa will be so much fun! Looking forward to seeing family and friends on our trip. Love from us...

The first picture is Grandpa and Juliana in December and the second photo is GG (Granny) and Kevin in August.

6 years and Counting

We had a fabulous, yet uneventful anniversary. We had a quiet dinner, and even went shopping for our newest Yankee Candle scent. I don't think we have spent so long in the candle section without yelling, "NOOOO, that will break!", or "We don't need 10 of those, put them back!" It turns out that our friend that babysat was tested a bit. Juliana decided that it was ok to have her light on during the night, and she even was able to get another Dr. Seuss story read to her around 9pm. She was mighty glad to see us home when she went potty around midnight. There I go again... we can't do anything or speak of an occasion without bringing up the kids. I love 'em, what can I say.

Today was a beautiful day! It actually seemed warm at 30 degrees. All of us went outside to play in the melting snow. Anytime Daddy threw snow Kevin laughed hysterically. Typical boy... he loves destruction of any kind! His laugh was incredibly refreshing to hear.

The photo above is a rose from the bouquet that Jason sent on our anniversary. xoxoxoxo

X's and Snow's

Valentine's Day 2007 was full of love, snuggles, and SNOW! School was canceled again, and the kids were both still sick, so I thought our day was going to be miserable. Juliana convinced me that the germs would go away if they could go play in the snow. OK OK.. I couldn't say no to that. We geared up with snow pants, boots, hats, mittens, and Kleenex, and went to frolic in the freshly fallen snow. Kevin wasn't too happy with his new footwear (blue snow boots). He could barely walk in them, much less in the snow up to his knees and on the icy walkways. We did not stay outside for too long, although we had a great time while it lasted.

That's our Valentine's Day in a nutshell.

I always try to end with remembering important days in the lives of those we love. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MEARA (Feb. 13)! And HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO CAITLYN (the one and only gorgeous flower girl in our wedding-- Feb. 14-- The Valentine baby turned 14 yesterday!)

Our 6th wedding anniversary is on Saturday, Feb. 17. HORRAY for great friends/babysitters! We are actually going out alone. We've been out alone twice since we moved here 2 1/2 years ago. It will be a dinner without sippy cups, chicken fingers, ketchup, "THAT'S GROSS!", and embarrassing disasters below a high chair.

X's and O's...

Below Zero

The weather here has been frigid. The public schools are closed due to the temperature. When I last looked at the weather online, it read, "-5 with wind chill -28". It is gorgeous and sunny too! Hopefully sometime soon we can enjoy time outside again.

We went to Juliana's "Kindergarten school" this morning. One of the older students gave us a tour. She was so nervous, although did a great job. Kevin ran the halls and was as noisy as ever. Hopefully she will be accepted into the school, so this school hunting process can be put behind us.

I realized that I have not posted a picture of Kevin lately, so here's a recent one of him. He'll be 17 months this week. CRAZZZZY!