Some Park Time

Sometime last week when the weather was about 78 and blowy, I took the kids to the park. We didn't just go to any park, we went to Adventure Playground. This place has swings, castles, wooden houses, animal statues, music thingys, and all sorts of things. The kids love it there, but it is a bit of a distance, so it's something that normally has to be planned.

I decided that morning that we would go because it was a beautiful day. I snapped lots of pictures, so I'll let those do the talking.
I have no words for this kid. She got her foot stuck in her drink holder. Who does that? And then this face? By the way, I was not driving when this photo was taken. :)

It was a good day!

Uno de Mayo!

Well, this was a good 1st day of May. We all woke up sick this morning and missed out on Church. Marley and I headed to the doc where she was diagnosed with maybe bronchitis (it's a new condition). :) She's on antibiotics because the doc heard some "junk" in her breathing. Even if it's just a bad cold, the antibiotics won't hurt.

I had some of my favorite soup for lunch because my throat is sore. Marley went down, and Kevin headed out with Rory and Logan to the store. I rested for a bit, which was nice because I can't be sick.

When Kevin and the kids came back, I started making some bagels...because nothing says I'm sick like baking. :) Last time I made home made bagels nobody liked them or ate them. I used all white flour this time and Kaelyn said, "Wow, Mom. You surprise me. These are actually good." Nothing like some teenage love. They did turn out pretty good, and the bottoms didn't get too done like last time either. It's pretty funny because I messed the dough up completely and had to improvise. I told Kaelyn that these would probably be the best bagels because I messed them up, and I was right.

Here's the recipe in case you're curious. She also has English Muffins that are pretty good too. It beats having to buy them!

We're back to school tomorrow. :( It was nice just not having to make lunches. There's only a month left, and we'll be leaving Christiana. Rory and I are both excited and sad. I'm definitely going to have to step up my outgoing mom game and keep in touch with all her friends and help her make new ones. This is such a challenge for me because I'm not good at it either! Take care and here's looking to all of us feeling better tomorrow!

A Thousand Gifts

Some ladies in my book club told me about a book by Ann Voskamp called A Thousand Gifts. In this book she encourages people to think of a thousand things they're grateful for. These ladies count these things down on their blogs. I'm going to start. Sorry to my father-in-law who is probably rolling his eyes.

1000. Zumba
999. jellybeans
998. bear hugs from two-year-olds
997. a pat on the leg after an embarrassing confession
996. a patient husband when I can't stand my teenager
995. people that make me belly laugh
994. solid friendships forming
993. Cheerful "Mommy" being yelled when I walk into a room
992. calls from loved ones warning of tornado warnings
991. love

By the way...these are not in any order of importance or priority...Papa.

Ramblings

It was a good day for an anniversary. Had a nice playdate with some of Rory and Logan's friends today. It was a big gathering with a good age mix. I had to leave earlier than the kids would've liked, but Marley didn't seem to be feeling well that morning, so I didn't want to push her too much by keeping her up from her nap late. As it was, she didn't get down until 130p.

I'm glad I left when I did because at dinnertime, her temp went up to 101. I'm not sure what's wrong, but we'll keep an eye. Hopefully it's something quick and painless that no one else gets. Cross your fingers!

Kevin and I enjoyed a nice dinner that was hot and quiet. :) We were going to go to Harris Teeter for some deals, but my mood was spoiled by a financial slip up on my part. I was soured, storms were moving in, Marley was running a fever, so we just came home. Sorry Kevin! I'm better now, but still stewing a little at my mistake in finances. I hate it when that happens!

We ended the night getting everyone in bed and reading magazines together on the couch. There was no TV on, and it was just nice...relaxing. Getting ready to go to bed now. I said I wanted to be in bed early because we were up late last night (addicted to a TV show!), but it doesn't look like that's going to happen.

For "listening" to my rambling, here's a treat.

Happy Anniversary, Kevin!

It's been NINE years.

Kevin and I were engaged after dating for one month. We heard a lot of people mumbling that maybe we were moving too fast, and we should wait. So we moved in together and waited NINE months before getting married.

When I was growing up, I always used to ask people how they knew they were supposed to be with someone. Their response was always, "You just know." I thought that was the biggest cop out ever. I wanted them to tell me the real answer.

Then I SAW Kevin. That's right...I hadn't even met him yet. I saw him and knew that he was the one. And then I prayed heavily that he was NOT a mover. :) Not that I have anything against movers, but he was dressed in a ball cap and jean shorts carrying boxes. Our story is so amazing. I'm sure lots of people have amazing stories...but I like ours.

We've been through a lot in NINE years. I'm ready for some more NINE year runs. I think with what we've been through and come through in these years...there's no stopping us now.

Happy Anniversary, Kevin! I love you, miss you, want you, and need you

PS- For all you who don't know...that's how we end all our emails and texts to each other...that or lmwn. Just a little quirk that I like.
I used this same picture last anniversary. What can I say? It's my favorite picture of us. It was before we knew what was coming. HA!

A Budding Musician

My little Marley is giving me a run for my money She's so spunky. I don't know if I'm going to be able to handle it. I am really not looking forward to teenage years with her, and I thought Rory was going to be the one to give me a run for my money. Kaelyn was laid back growing up, and she's still giving me a time of it too. I told Kevin that Marley is really stubborn. He seems to think she gets this from me. Has anyone ever tried to tell Kevin he's wrong about something? Then you know where she gets it from. I asked Kevin for an example of me being stubborn, and he says that I decide to do this and that and that's how it is. I told him it sounds like I'm decisive, not stubborn. :)

Anyway, here is Miss Mar discovering her inner musician. Maybe she'll take after Kaelyn and Rory whom seem to have a knack for music.
Is it just me or does this look nothing like her?






One more video. This shows the chops...Also, the kids know the next verse in it's edited form. :)



Maybe I could make a band?

I'm Back and Tired!

I was going to do an elaborate "I'm Back" blog, but I'm tired. So I just wish you all a Happy Easter from our family to yours!