sunny day fun

We finally had some May-like weather (not that I am complaining, I love the cool temps better than what is ahead), so we were able to go out all afternoon yesterday and play in the sun. Here are some pictures of that, and notice some are pre-buzz cut with Jackson.








Quote of the day: "Uh-oh!"--Hannah said today for the first time. She is also trying hard to say Liz and Jackson, but not quite there yet. She has her own special pronunciation of their names. ("yizzzz" and "ackss")

new do.

Viewer Discretion is Advised: this may be difficult for some of you to look at, I am still getting used to it.

Joe and I decided to buzz Jackson's hair for the summer to save on cuts and time getting ready to go places (Joe is Jackson's stylist and it sometimes takes a while to get the hair products in just right).

Here are the pics he looks like such a big boy:

2 weeks left...

As you all know, I have been working 25 hours a week for the past 8 weeks to cover for my friend/co-worker, Tanya, while she took a long-term sub position at school. She wanted to try it to see if it is where God wanted her or if He wanted her to stay at church (more in depth than that, but you get the idea). Anyway, she has decided to stay at church and in 2 weeks will take back her full duties and I can go back to my normal hours (they were 15, but will be 20 now). I know it sounds stupid that it is only an extra 10 hours I added per week, but it is crazy. I feel awful that I have, many a day, not given the kids the attention they need. I will be so glad to give back even the 5 extra hours. What a huge difference that will make in my week!!

A lot has been going on here. Besides all the extra work, we have manged to start potty training Jackson (which is going much better now, I think we almost have it), Lizzie finished up school and is excited to start Kindergarten (she thought it started the next day after preschool and sadly I had to report she had to wait 3 months), Hannah is now the fearless step descender and climber (on her belly of course) and she even climbs the ladder to the play set and goes down the slide herself--very funny!! Oh...and I roasted a 20 pound turkey yesterday for 9 HOURS, and then made turkey soup today!! For someone who hates cooking, it was a big deal and it actually tasted really good :)!!

Joe took the kids on a "nature walk" today on a trail outside our town. They had fun looking at the birds and chipmunks and each took a turn with the camera. Her are some photos from that.

I love the swinging arms in this one

looks like they were chasing a chipmunk

Quote of the day: "I like your lips!!" Jackson said to a friend of the family who was over visiting today. She had on lipstick and I guess he liked it.

me and my buddy.

So...Jackson has a new best friend. We like to refer to him as "broom." He loves this thing. It is not something new, in fact I think Lizzie got it when she was 2 or 3, but all of a sudden, Jackson loves it. He takes it places in the car (I insist that he leave it in the car when we go to the store, not enough room in the cart for a broom handle to be swinging around), he sleeps with it, he has it all the time. Here are a few photos we captured of the buddies...

we have a family of groundhogs we have been watching,
here broom and him watch outside

sleeping

Quote of the day: The other night at dinner Jackson was praying, "Dear Jesus, thank you for all my family: Lizzie and (he stops and pops in a corn kernel from his plate), Hannah, Mommy, and Daddy..." Joe and I always peak at the kids when they pray and we both busted out laughing.

mommy's day

My cousin Shelley said it very nicely on her blog about once you become a mom, you realize why the day is so important. She said, "It definitely has a whole new meaning now that I am a Mom. Certainly puts a new perspective on the holiday and the importance of celebrating all mothers and showering them with appreciation." I have to agree! Plus, you now have such a new appreciation for your mom and all that she did!!

What a wonderful day I had. Of course, we had to get up early for church and as I woke my sweet Lizzie up the first thing she said as she opened her eyes were "Happy Mother's Day, Mom!" I couldn't believe she remembered first thing in the morning. Come to find out, of course she would remember because my wonderful husband was busy "crafting" with the kids last night while I was at work and they had made me beautiful jewlery boxes. They were looking forward to my big day since the middle of last week when they got the boxes to make. So cute!!Joe got me this adorable frame and even printed out pictures for it that are fun to look at and make me smile!!After church, we grabbed some lunch and got to relax and watch The Patriot with Mel Gibson on HBO. What a treat!! Then I had my soccer game at 4:30 which was tons of fun and we won 3-0 (I had a shut-out as the goal keeper). I made a great save (not that I had a ton of shots on goal this week). I reached up and batted the ball out of the goal and then landed on it and had two players land on me. Thankfully, I didn't get hurt, but it was fun!! We came home and had the Carter family over for dessert to give Mrs. C. her gift for Mother's Day. It was really nice and the kids played well, which is always an added bonus.

Quote of the day: "Mom, when is it Sister's and Brother's Day?"--Lizzie asked sometime yesterday, to which I replied, as all mothers would, "Every day is Sister's and Brother's Day!!"

"Mom, I made a surprise for you," said Jackson today at church, "I made you a butterfly." --Jackson said today while I chatted with his teacher at the door mid-way through service.

"Dad, we've gotta talk."--Lizzie said to Joe to remind him that we had to give "Mee-mom" her gift tonight.

a day in the park

Hershey Park had its big opening on Friday, May 2nd and we were able to go over and enjoy the park with our new season passes. It was so great. It was a beautiful day and not crowded at all. Plus, we didn't feel rushed to get on every ride because we can come back anytime. Jackson did fall and bite his cheek and there was a ton of blood, but he was fine after some ice and water. Enjoy these pics from the day...

Here is the measurement for the rides, Jackson is a
Miniature and Lizzie is finally a Hershey Kiss

Hannah is considered a

hand held infant :)Hannah was a little nervous to ride her horse

alone so Daddy hopped on to help her.

Quote of the Day: "Daddy, you hit me right in the bladder." Lizzie said as Joe was having a catch with her out front yesterday.

ben's friends

Sunday before my trip, we did the March of Dimes walk for babies in Philly. We walked for the team Ben's Friends. My nephew, Ben, was born premature and so we walk for his team. It is amazing to see him now. He is a typical 20 month old who happens to be as tall as my short almost 3 year old. He is so cute check out his Blog. Here are some pictures from our 6 MILE WALK!!!

Aunt Liz and Lizzie

Brian, Ashley and Baby AidenHalfway there (3 miles down)

Birthday Parties!!

So I am finally back on schedule after my "business trip" to Atlanta, GA for the Orange Conference. The video on this site is from last year, but you get the idea. It was amazing. Anyone who has been to a LIFE conference, it was similar to that, but for grown-ups. It was for kid Ministry and student Ministry leaders and had all types of breakout sessions and the main sessions were awesome with great music and speakers. Andy Stanley even made an appearance. I took away stuff for my work at church and stuff for my own life.

We had our April/May Birthday Party the weekend before I left and here are some of the pictures from that.