summer!

Caden finished up his kindergarten year on Wednesday.  I'm not sure which one of us is more excited about summer vacation, but it is probably me.  It will be nice to be in a slightly more laid-back routine.  The kids will be spending some more time with their dad through the week, which will give me a small amount of free time during the week (I will still be working, but not taking any classes until August).  I plan on taking some early morning yoga classes, and will also be free to go on a walk or run before work if I want.  The kids will be home on the weekends, so we will see them often, and plan on doing many fun activities.

We attended Caden's baseball game last night, and we are kicking off our summer vacation with a sleep over tonight.  Cody is away on an annual camping trip with his dad and a group of men.  We already miss him, but I bet he is going to have a great time enjoying the beautiful weather and being in the woods for the weekend.  I am about due for a river or camping trip as well... nothing like some time in nature to soothe the soul. 

 Magnolia and Maya came to stay the night after we swam at their house this afternoon.  We managed to spot the storm cloud in time to get everyone and all of our stuff inside before it started pouring.  We got happy meals and came home to eat dinner, then play dress up and baby dolls (Maggie and Laica) and Skylanders (Caden and Maya).  I set them up with a movie in the living room and they were out in no time.  The main reason I am always willing to take the kids swimming, is that they are guaranteed to fall asleep early and quickly at bedtime.

This was on our way to Portland and Andy's house, we were waiting for Aunt Chelsi to get her stuff together for the pool.

This afternoon, Caden quickly got over his apprehension over jumping into the water.  He and Magnolia were having a ball jumping at the same time, and seeing who could jump the furthest.  He was having so much fun and he was really proud of himself, which I love to see. :)

 Laica swam in the deep end (with her floaty) by herself, and was proud of herself, too.  My kids are getting so big.  Sometimes I get sad that they aren't babies anymore, but I love watching them develop and grow into amazing little individuals.

 Miss Magnolia giving me a cheesy, toothless grin in the pool.  Maggie is Caden's first friend (Portland was his babysitter from the time he was about five or six months old).  I hope that they continue to have a good friendship through the years. 
 

Here's Maya Moon (Magnolia's step-sister).  This little girl is so smart and kind, I just love her.

This was a group shot while waiting in line at McDonald's on the way home.   Another (of the many) reason that I love my van is that I have the space to safely haul this group around.  In the morning, I plan on cooking them breakfast and letting them play until lunch time, then we will have a picnic at the park for lunch.  After lunch and some more playing at the park, we are going to take a trip to the Palace to see The Lego Movie.  I have heard that it is pretty good, and we have been wanting to see it.

Laica's hair is ridiculous in this picture, but the important thing is that she and Dickey are in the same picture.  It has taken exactly one year (the amount of time Cody and I have lived together) but Dickey has finally gotten to where he isn't as afraid of the kids as he once was.  He has figured out that Laica is an animal person, and she absolutely loves getting to pet him.

This was Caden's last day of school.  He really enjoyed school for the most part, and we couldn't be more proud of what a bright kid he is.  We are going to make this a great summer for these two kids, making lots of happy memories along the way.

8 more days...

That's right!  Only eight days until Caden completes his first year of school.  I am excited for the little guy, though he is growing up so fast.  He is getting so tall, all of the pants that fit over winter are now too short.  He eats a lot.  A lot... I cannot begin to imagine the grocery bill when he is a teenager.

We are very ready to have a break from our normal routine, and plan on doing many fun activities this summer.  The kids will spend a large portion of their summer with Clint.  I will miss them, but will see them every weekend, and bet that they are going to have a blast spending some extra time with their daddy.

I finished my finals last Thursday, and my car died for the last time on the same day.  We had been expecting it for some time, and with 240,000 (I know, crazy--and no doubt, a testament to Chevrolet) miles, it was time to call it quits.  I am now the driver of a mini van.  There was a point in my life when I hated any and all vans on the road, but now I have a new found appreciation for the van. 

School ended with grades that I am proud of.  It will be nice to have a break for the summer, but I will be ready for classes to start come August. 

Here are some pictures that sum up the week.

I can't figure out how to rotate this one.  Miss Laica did this 100-piece puzzle (basically) unassisted.  I helped get her started on the outer edge, but only after she first refused my help then grew frustrated when she wasn't having much success.  (Sound like anyone you know?  Having a daughter that acts just like me really makes me understand how crazy I must make those close to me sometimes.  Oh well, no one can say we aren't independent. :))

Isn't he so stinking cute?  This was at the library, on the same day that the car died.  We were killing a little time before picking up Cody from work, and had time to visit "Justin's library."

Caden had his first baseball game at 7:30 Friday night.  (Can you tell I put my kids to bed early?)  We had barely made it out of Republic, and both kids looked like this.  Out.

On Saturday, the kids went with Harold and Becky (thanks, again!) so Cody and I could get out and enjoy the beautiful day, adult-style.  We attended Mother's Brewing Company's annual bash (which is very family-friendly, we just wanted a date-day) and had a really good time hanging out with each other, family, and friends.  Always nice to get out and see some folks I don't get to see that often anymore... and good beer and music along with perfect weather make for an awesome day.

Laica and I got to stay at home for most of the day today, and her first strawberry was ready to be picked.  The kids really are having a great time with the garden.  There is another berry that is almost ready, I am hoping Caden can pick it tomorrow.  Little Miss said that it was delicious.

I took this picture to show Cody what I was making for dinner.  If I haven't said it here before, I love my crock pot.  I also love that I can feed all of these vegetables to my family without any complaints.  Caden is looking forward to his field day tomorrow at school, and I can't wait to hear all about it.

swimming, swimming, birthday parties, more swimming...

I have successfully taken three finals, and have one more to take before Thursday.  That being said, we have been busy lately, and everyone is looking forward to a break from school for the summer.  I had a really nice Mother's Day yesterday.  

Cody and I went to breakfast and church with his dad and grandma Sunday morning.  After a nice (but long--he went over about 38 minutes--(not that I looked at the time as soon as we were out or anything)) service, we headed back to Springfield to eat lunch and spend time with Beckie (Cody's mom).  Cody and I really need to have people take pictures of us more often, it has been awhile since we have taken one.  Mother's Day was relaxing and spent with family, as it should be.  Clint had the kids call me that morning, which was really sweet. They got home around 5:30, which gave them time to get in the pool.  

All parents, we have had this thing a week, and I can already tell that it is the best $25 I have spent in a long time!  They have been in it every day after school and any other time I will let them. 

Saturday evening, we had Caden's big birthday party.  Just like last year, he chose to play laser tag.  He also chose the exact same shirt he had chosen to wear (and picked last year): the black one.  Honestly, I didn't like the fluorescent yellow, either.  :))

This is the only picture I took at the birthday party, and I don't know that it counts because it was before it started.  Laica tried to tell us that she had not fallen asleep, she was just resting.  Right.

Granny and Papa got Caden Skylanders for his birthday.  This boy is over the moon.  He LOVES it.  We are going today after school to spend birthday money and gift cards on some different guys... he was talking about it all morning.  Actually, he tried to tell me that he didn't feel like going to school today... but he changed his tune when I said there would be no video games if he was sick.  :)

Thank you to everyone who came out to the party, we had a great time!  Love that the adults can play laser tag and have just as much fun as the kiddos. 

Caden brought this "Frozen" picture home from school.  I love my little artist, and his attention to detail.

This is the kids with their friend and our neighbor, Antonio.  He is a sweet, well-mannered kid that has become a fixture at our house after school (we don't mind, he is an awesome kid--I think he likes the pool, too. :))

I promise to post something of substance soon, after Wednesday I hope to be done with my semester.  Life lately is busy, but I love it.  Have a good week!

pure, simple happiness...

For the past several weeks, I have been feeling grateful for all of the blessings in my life (not material items--remember my rant in a previous post?).  When I spend time reflecting, I am genuinely surprised at how happy I am.  I am not just happy, I am content... which is a feeling I hold in higher regard than happiness.  Happiness is important, but to me, being content equals being at peace.  

The word content is defined as:  a state of satisfaction, or being in a state of peaceful happiness.  That certainly sums up they way I feel right now, and I hope it continues forever.  I have my kids, Cody, a job, am taking college classes, our bills are paid, and I love our little house.  The garden is growing beautifully, and we have already eaten spinach out of it twice.  Delicious.  My fiance is amazing, on so many levels. Frankly, right now, life is pretty damn grand.

Here are some pictures that sum up last week... I cannot believe that tomorrow is Monday already, the weekend was gone in the blink of an eye.  Yesterday the kids and I visited the farmer's market and then we went to Target to get cousin Hadleigh's birthday gift, and on to Ross to look for a dress for myself.  I found one that I love... best part was the price:  $9.00.  Can't beat that!

The kids were thrilled with their balloons.  Laica chose a bracelet (no surprise there) and Caden picked the helicopter, which I thought was pretty cool.  The farmer's market will become a Saturday morning tradition for us.  I was surprised that they did not want to get their faces painted, but fine by this mama!  :)

This was Thursday after school.  My baby will be six tomorrow.  Wow.

This little cutie and I had breakfast on Friday morning.  I loved the rare chance to spend a little extra one on one time with my precious daughter.  She will be five in November... I am honestly glad that I have another year before she goes to school.

I tackled this mountain of (clean) laundry yesterday.  OMG.   It was probably about seven or more loads.  We had a super busy week, and by the time the kids went to bed, I was ready for bed myself.
Four people make so much laundry, it is my least favorite chore (obvisouly--I am pretty OCD about the rest of my house, especially the kitchen).

This morning we went to Arts Fest on Walnut Street and took a ride on the scooter for a breakfast date.  I picked the kids up from their Kay-Kay's (Clint's mom, Karen) around four, and they are now content, playing outside with their friends.  Thank god for a neighborhood full of children, the kids all love playing together.  They may not be so content when I make them come inside for showers in about fifteen minutes... time to start the bedtime routine soon.  

I am so thrilled that it is May and school will be out soon, and out schedule can relax (at least slightly).  I am looking forward to a productive work week and going shopping with my ex-mother-in-law (lol--I get along great with all of Clint's family, and Becky and I are still good friends) in Branson on Friday.  

Here's to a quick week! 
XOXO