Mother's Day

I had a great Mother's Day . . . we went to church and then returned home for a delicious lunch made by the kids (little pizzas served with fruit, veggies, and a salad). Auntie Diane, Uncle Colin, and Caleb joined us. :)

Here are the little chefs.

Here is what they made . . .pretty yummy!!

We spent most of the afternoon playing "Olympics" in the backyard and then I got to do a little more planting. (I'll take pics of all my planting when I'm finished)

Here is who helps me be a good mom. :)
John's getting pretty used to those crutches!
Auntie Diane and Caleb enjoyed a Mother's Day moment. :)

The kids sure love Caleb!
This Mother's Day was really special, but it would have been even more special if I could have seen this lady . . . my Mom!! She has always been my cheerleader in life . . . encouraging me to be my best. Love you, Mom!!

Favorites on Fridays . . . Like Oprah's "O" List, But Not Really

Favorite Bar of Soap: Trader Joe's Oatmeal and Honey Soap

It may seem strange that I would get excited about a silly bar of soap, but I am excited about this one!! I have very sensitive skin, so I have to choose my soaps carefully . . . I can't have anything with fragrance in it. This soap is pure vegetable soap so it is very mild and it has real oatmeal flakes and sweet smelling honey in it. . .smells sooo good (just don't eat it!!) Our whole family uses it. Love it!!

My Sister

I am thankful for my sister, Diane . . . yesterday she came over and rearranged a room for me that I had been trying to figure out for ten months. She's so good at it! She is always helping me with not only my
decorating issues, but much more. Diane helps me to be a better person. She is always holding me accountable for things such as diet, nutrition, sleep, "me time", and more. I am grateful that she is so willing to spend so much of her time helping me. Thanks, Diane!!

Fun at the Arboretum

Today, we went to the Morton Arboretum with some of Caroline's friends. The day was just beautiful . . .not too hot, not too cold. Just right. :)

The kids had so much fun wading in the water trying to catch tadpoles (toadlets). Luke loved jumping from rock to rock.

As you may have guessed, Luke got himself a little bit wet. Not to worry...we had extra clothes. :)

Caroline was super-focused on catching herself a "toadlet", which she accomplished.

On top of Stone Mountain. . . the kids sat up there for a long time. They said they were pretending to be eagles.

Just a little farther!!

Caroline with her friends. . .Jillian, Alix, and Noelle.

The trees were in full bloom and BEAUTIFUL. . .just like Caroline. :)
Luke enjoyed being Spiderman for a few moments.

We had a great day enjoying God's creation.

Hangin' Out with Grandpa

I'm thankful for my dad. He has such a great relationship with our Lord, Jesus Christ. It humbles me to see how devoted he is to walking a good Christian life. One of the things that I remember most about growing up with him as my father is that he was so faithful about having quiet time with the Lord every morning. Despite the number of things on his "to do" list for work or the lack of sleep he got the night before, my dad was (and still is) always up before the sun came up spending time reading God's Word and praying. I remember seeing the light peeking out under his closed office door when I would get up in the very early morning to start getting ready for school. I knew just what he was doing and I liked that he was so consistent about it. I definitely have not been very good at spending quality time with the One who created me. Ever since I had babies, I make up excuses (like getting a few extra minutes of sleep!) to not have this much needed quiet time. I am going to really work at making it a priority like my dad does.

Our kids look up to Grandpa so much. He is so funny and really has a good time with them. (See him in the picture? That is very typical of the things he does with the kids.) He makes them laugh, but he also makes them think. He always has good conversations (especially with Jake) about God and I am so grateful for that.

I love you, Dad!! Thanks for being a good example to me. I am blessed to have you as my father.

Psalm 5:3 (New International Version)
In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.

Sunny Sunday

What a beautiful day we had in Chicagoland!! High 70's with a little breeze. . .can't ask for anything better. I was so pleased because I got a lot of landscaping finished and I also got a chance to play a good ole game of baseball with the kiddos. Luke can hit the ball out of the field!! He amazes me! He can hit better than I can. (notice our awesome catcher)

Jake, of course, was the pitcher. Daddy wished he could join in
Caroline went inside and said she was going to return with a surprise. . .

After our game, Jake helped out with a few things that Daddy can't do right now.

I'm sad to see this weekend go. . .it was so beautiful and I didn't have to tutor at all, so I got to spend a lot of time with the kids.

Oh, by the way. . .Jake had a game on Saturday and he pitched one inning and struck out three people in a row! (they won)

Favorites on Fridays . . . Like Oprah's "O" List, But Not Really

Favorite Character on LOST: Jack

My favorite character has always been Jack because not only does he take charge and save a lot of people with his medical skills, but I think he looks just like JOHN! :)

(I wanted John to pose for a picture that would make him look just like Jack, but he refused. . .you'll have to use your imagination and pretend that John has a tough look on his face instead of a nice smile.)