Easter Teacher Appreciation

Every holiday we try to do something nice for our teachers. I was lucky to find a couple coupons at Walgreens and got 4 large bags of M 'n' M's for $4. I saved $8 supposedly. Baskets were $2 at World Market and I just added some ribbon and flowers.

No Training Wheels: Take 1

I told Christina that by this summer we need to try riding our bike without training wheels. She was hesitant, but replied, why don't we try now?

We went around the court a few times just holding her bike. She was pretty panicky but brave at the same time. She had a great little cheerleader on the sidewalk cheering her name, running and saying "You can do it!!"... all in high heels! 

Apologies...

Sorry if you were cut off before you were added as a reader. I was trying to find emails to send invites and it just took me a little while to do so.

Drive-In Firsts!!!

29 years and I don't ever remember coming here. Is it possible I did go as a child? Sure. But I tend to block out bad memories. Reno, thank you. Thank you for having a place like this. I wasn't able to get a picture, but upon entrance there was a sign that had "No Animals, No Drugs, and No Alcohol" with sketches to match. I didn't realize that places need to post signs about not doing drugs.... interesting.

We waited for 15 minutes to get in and the whole time it just filled up. I'm sure because it was a free night. But there must have been at least 700 cars. I felt pretty claustrophobic. They said the mother started at dusk... but 8:20 PM is well after dusk. And can I just say I love my typo- movie verses mother.

Because I was fearful to unlock the car, we spent 3 1/2 hours until we finally decided to head home. The girls did great. It was exciting to eat dinner in the car and people watch. We watched a good 3/4 of Tangled, but then the drive-in's paused the movie and I seized the opportunity. The girls were tired and wanted to go home even though we were all having fun. Especially Joe and I as we were asleep. So we beat the traffic and called it a night! A good night!

Why did I go private?

I'm usually not paranoid. But in all honesty I don't like my father in law or step mother in law. I think I definitely have some "forgiveness" issues to work on. Also some "judging" issues. In the meantime, while I take some time to sort through the mess, I'd just like to keep all information on my children and my life to those closest to me.

And, I'd like to take a personal pride moment and pat myself on the back for not posting a picture of the devil and Nadine from Steven King's the stand as the picture for this post. :)

Going Private

It's been long over due.... but this blog is going private. If you'd like an invite to read, just leave your email address. Also, I'm making Christina's blog private also. Have a good one!!

Sunshine Student Finale

Christina's class made her a book to celebrate her as the sunshine student. Christina made the cover, but what you can't see is her title that she colored over with purple, it reads...

prepare yourself....

melt your heart she's just the sweetest...

"I love you all."

She then drew a picture of the teacher and her whole class. I asked her if she had any help coming up with the title, and she said no, she did it by herself and that most books don't have titles that they make for each other. 

This was Lily's picture. She wrote about Christina, "I like Christina because I like your hare and you nice"

 

This is from a boy named Thomas "I like Christina becaus she bus cowl the nigs. My favorite colr yelo"

I really can't for the life of me figure out that one :) 10 points for someone that can

So sweet, from her best friend Olivia who writes, "I like Christina because she has nice maners."

This is from Aidan, a little boy who is quite hyper. He drew her as a princess. He didn't write anything, because he's not at that level yet.

This is from Katy, a little girl in her girl scout troop, "I like you Christina becuse your cute."

I enjoyed this picture by Scott and his thoughts, "I like you because you finish your wrc."

Earlier in the year Christina said she liked a little Asian boy named Jasen and thought he was cute. She has good taste because his dad is hot. Anyways, I digress. When she showed me his art for her I noticed little boxes with the word "Love" written in them. Just so freaking cute. This age is just plain ADORABLE!!!! He wrote of Christina, "I like Christina because I payl fasn Christina my sans is ansan. TV."

Anyways, what a lovely book. I wish the teacher would have added a page. It was very sweet for a sweet little girl.

Piano- Mommy Move It Along

Maria has always loved to be at the piano. Her fingers when we started were just so little and often times she couldn't control keeping them on the right keys. But NOW!! Holy smokes!! She does a wonderful job, especially with the rhythm. I just need to be a little more consistent with making sure we practice!

Christina gets easily frustrated at the piano. Sometimes I feel like a tiger mother, but I think she's gotten over the fact that you don't have to play it perfect the first time. She's cried a couple times while I sat and said "AGAIN!!"... but I want her to know she is strong and capable. She can do this. I know she will grow to love piano and she already talks about learning to play so she can play at rest homes to make old people happy. I need to get flashcards for her because she is at the point of reading music without any help. I also need to get her a theory book so she can know the specifics and mechanics behind the notes. I'm hoping that I can get on the ball enough to throw a piano recital for family and friends.

We don't beat around the bush....

Today marked a glorious day as Christina was spotlighted as the "Sunshine Student" in her class. She was to bring in a bunch of different pictures of her family.

So, usually you don't have to think about these things. But since we have a brother who is on the other side of the veil you always have to think about how others will react. Personally, I don't really care. I have a son.  He's temporarily gone. He's my 3rd born. I'll NEVER deny that. I'll NEVER pretend he wasn't and isn't a huge part of my life. How will my daughter handle other's questions or what are her feelings though is another matter.

In our home, we are 110% open and honest. We don't beat around the bush. Christina I found is the same way.

Today was a proud mother moment. Christina wanted to take a picture of her reading to her baby brother. I asked her what she'd say about the picture. I asked her what she would tell the other students. And this is what she said, "This is my baby brother. He loved it when I read to him. He's dead now. But it's OK because I know he will be resurrected and live again ." Someone asked her how he died and she said, "He died while he was sleeping." They asked again how you die in your sleep. She said, "I don't know how you die in your sleep, but God does so that's all that matters." She was such a good little soul, just teaching others around her about Christ and death. My heart is full.

Also, I came outside and found both girls kneeling in prayer. They explained that they had found a dead rollie pollie and were praying that it's family would have comfort and that it would enjoy heaven. Again, my heart full.

Saturday Hike - Enjoying Good Windy Weather

Originally, I wanted to hike this small hill by our house but we couldn't find a path and really, people shoot you for trespassing out here. Cun-tray folks, Cun-tray.

Somehow we ended up over here. It was desert beautiful.

We always seem to end up holding hands. What sweet and wonderful children to just come up and want to touch and be close. For a while it was just all 4 of us holding hands and enjoying the beauty around.

It was really strange that people live out here. We'd see a couple houses here and there and all I could think is what sane woman would want to have mice in their home?

The girls spent a lot of time picking mini-flowers. I think I love that most about hikes. Just having them discover and enjoy nature. I'm not all about getting to the top of the mountain, while that's great. I'd rather just enjoy the hike and watch my daughters enjoy themselves.

Christina came home the other day, "Mom. Do you know about igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks?" She was thrilled to take a couple rocks home.

Such a grand time with grand people!! It was extra special because it's been about a month since we've gotten to have a Saturday with daddy. The girls and I were very excited!!!