Full Speed Ahead

Whewww.  We hit the floor running.

School started for Lina and my mom came to visit.  It was a week full of getting up early, some playing, and figuring out our new routine.

Lydia, for whatever reason, has been a real stinker to my mom the last two visits.  It's actually quite awful.  This visit was so nice and Lydia didn't have "stink face" once- other than her normal little quirks here and there.  Grammy came with a suitcase full of crafts and Lydia enjoyed doing most of them.  Thanks for the visit, Mom.  I enjoyed the helping hand and your company.

Lydia started school also.  They call it 4 Day 4s.  She goes M-Th from 9-12.  While Monday was met with tears and no excitment to go, Tuesday was better.  Thursday morning she said, "I have to go AGAIN?"  She was plum tired (to no fault of her if she would just stay in her bed all night and just sleep- this waking up between 2-4AM is wearing her and I OUT).  Friday we went and played at our favorite splash pad....all by ourselves.  Today she slept till  after 9AM and is still in her jammies here at 1:00.

Lydia finding her name.  Her class is dinosaurs.  She is not sold on that yet- kind of hoping for more of a ladybug or something.  : )

Lydia will take dance on Saturday mornings this year.  Her little friend, Leah, will also.  That will be fun.  I am not thrilled with Saturday morning out and about, but it was the only class that worked for our schedule. 

Lina is doing well.  This week they did some fun penguin activities after reading "Three Cheers for Tacky" including a black and white snack day and a mismatched/tacky dress day.  Here is long legged Lina all mismatched.

I have always believed after being a teacher and seeing kids so exhausted from all the activities they were doing that when I had kids and they started activities- it was one activity per season- of course with special circumstances (like a shorter trial season activity or Scouts) we would see how it goes.  Last year we did nothing after school except for piano and choir.  Wellllll this year will be different.  Lina has expressed on more than, oh let's say 100, occasions that she would like to try gymnastics ("because I was born in Russia- I am pretty good at it"- lol).  So we are doing that on Tuesdays with open gym on Friday nights (that we'll do if we have no other pressing plans although after last night I am pretty committed to getting her there- it was impressive and she LOVED it and slept for 13 hours!!!)  Monday and Thursday afternoons  (for :40) through October she'll swim on the "WP Pirates in Training" team.  Her PE teacher is the coach and she is fabulous.  There are only a handful of kids so it's nice swim instruction if anything.  Lina enjoys it.  Wednesday nights we'll be at church.  Lina has choir and then I am leading a Bible study and the girls can go to the kids club where they do a lesson and activity.  Then every other Monday afternoon is Brownies.  I am only helping with the cookie hoopla.

So it's busy, but good.  I just need to be a dinner planner and prepare ahead.  Once 3:00 comes we are out and running.  Sweet Lila is always in the car.  I hate it for her.  But we play all morning and Friday we just chill out.

Last week and this week will be full of some PTA committments I made.  Merchandise has become my "baby".  It just takes time and while people try to help- miscommunication happens and now I get to tell people they can't have a certain shirt, etc.  Oh well. 

Bob is good.  His truck is still hanging on.  He is looking for a "new" Tahoe and has a possible lead so maybe this week.  He is real busy at work which is nice.....money wise, but wearing him out.

School Bells Are Ringing

Lina and I were out the door about 7:55 this AM.  Lina came with me to set up the "Boo-Hoo Breakfast" at school this am before heading to her 2nd grade classroom.

Right to work.  : )

The breakfast went well.  I love being able to tell moms- "I get it" and being able to share with them that it's going to be ok- of course the above being shared while I have tears in my eyes. I am SO SO happy for Lina.  It's going to be a great year!

I suspect early to bed tonight.....I am anyway!

MUST. LEARN. TO. TRUST.

I am knee deep into PTA at BE- and while I enjoy it these past few weeks have been full of planning and DOING. Last night the 6 ladies of the Executive Board (I have signed on for Corresponding Secretary) hosted a social for the faculty and staff. We had over 90 folks come and it was a BLAST!! We presented the folks with new t-shirts and they loved them.

During the event we thought it would be fun to "magnet" the new Principal's truck.  He was a good sport and found it to be in good fun!  He's really a great guy.  I am so excited for the school itself.

At the event the 2nd grade teachers were there.  NONE of them mentioned having Lina.  That surprised me.  I knew Lina wasn't in the class I didn't want her to be in so that was good- but still I was curious.  I wrote a letter requesting two classes in the Spring.  Gave to Him and prayed.  I was doing fine up until last week.  Just so anxious.  I hate the way the school shares the info- putting lists on window as you arrive for Meet the Teacher. 

Last year our prayers were answered by having Ms. H.  Loud and clear AGAIN prayers answered.   Lina is in a 2nd grade class with 2 of the most loving, precious, fun ladies!!  They job share.  One teaches M/T the other Th/F and they alternate W.  They have been doing this for 10 years, a well oiled machine, and apparently everyone loves them.  Mrs. M/M they are referred to as!  Adorable.  Lina was so excited.  And it gets better- there are about 4 of the sweetest girls and friends from last year in this class!!  I have agreed to co-room mom to this class of 15.  It's going to be great.  Aren't they just adorable?

One shot of classroom:

First day of school......Monday.  Baby big girl heading to 2nd grade.  Sigh. 

Summer Sun Winding Down

Dianne and her family drove down from NY this week.  They are staying about 3 hours away.  We made a little beach get-away of it and visited with them this week.  Always good to see them.

We hit the beach at 10:30.  We left the beach at 4:45.  Lina was either under water, riding waves on her boogie board, or getting beat up by waves.  Lydia was either screaming at the waves, screaming about the sand in her bathing suit, or had one of running up to the showers/pool.  Such different ladies they are.  Lila was either playing in the sand, enjoying the water WITH daddy, or taking a snooze.  We all got a little too much sun, but not terrible.

Me and my Best

Get THIS sand out of my suit.

The more sand the better.  Everywhere.

Pretty sure she has gills and IS part dolphin.  Crazy girl.

My precious family!

5 little miracles!

Life Changes

For a few years now we have enjoyed Jeremiah Ice with our dear friends of the Ramiz familia.  We meet there and enjoy the gelatis, tree climbing, bug searching, laughing, memory making.......and we did one last time before those "birdies" all leave the nest. 

Poor Carmen and Tony- it's like ripping off a band aid for them- Amanda is moving to Boca Raton to teach 2nd grade.  I am SO SO proud of her and so excited for her.  Ironically this is the school/church that they moved from and came to Orlando and then Amanda was in MY 4th grade class.  Whooosh.  Time.  Martin just finished 2 years undergrad at a local community college and is now in the Athletic Training program at UCF.  We're so excited for him!  He worked hard for this.  Laura is also going to attend UCF.  She isn't sure what program quite yet- Ithink she is leaning toward Hospitality.  I am so excited for Laura and Martin as they begin their years as Knights and Bob is looking forward to new tailgaters.  ; )

I joke with Carmen that she needs a dog because we are not having anymore children. 

Here are some pics from our "last ice night"

Martin and Lyd

If there is a tree this monkey climbs it.

Christmas card 2010?

Youngest to Oldest

Sweet friends!  We love you!!

Well Hello There!

Well, look at me a post before August.

We hit summer with full force and I haven't looked at this blog ONCE.  : )  Not that we are terribly busy, but I am totally enjoying a non schedule and really, so are the girls.

BUT I will recap for memory sake June and good golly July.

1st grade came to an end and was met with many tears....myself included. 

Here is Lina with our sweet Ms. H and principal Mr. Moore (who is leaving to be a principal in the Grand Cayman Islands).

While Lina was finishing up her last school day- Lydia and I were busy decorating and getting ready for the beginning of summer once we came home with Lina!

Lydia took swimming lessons for 2 weeks and is a complete fish now.  I wanted Lina to join the swim team, but her answer was, "I always lose".  She is good swimmer just not a fast/strong stroke swimmer.  Last year her school had a non competitive swim team and I hope they do again this year.  I'd like her to try it and then next summer do the one for the city.  We'll see.  She does NOT like to lose but when you are the one who observes and THEN gets started on what's in front of you- well you aren't going to be first, Sister.

Lina and Lydia went to an art camp for a week also.  It was with Lyd's 3 year old teacher and we are pleased to know now her 4 year old class teacher.  So that was neat.  Girls came home with some really nice projects.

Other days of June were filled with swimming, playing, and just hanging out.  Lina sleeps till about 9:00 every morning.  I can't wait till she is a teenager.  Silly girl.  She loves her sleep.

We did have a little baking birthday party for Lina at Carmen's house.  (Side note- THIS is what Carmen needs to be doing- she was so great with the girls and the girls enjoyed themselves so much).  They made 4 different batters, swam a bit, decorated cupcakes, ate lunch, and left with all kinds of fun baking treasures.  It was a great birthday party and I am thankful for friends who want to help like that!

July 1 was Lina's 7th birthday and she and I enjoyed a morning at SeaWorld.  We surprised her with a dolphin encounter/tour.  It was pretty cool and has only fueled her passion for these amazing creatures and her desire to be a dolphin trainer one day.

So.  July.  We had the 4th of July was kind of uneventful.  We had dinner down at church with the Poole's and then went to the rooftop to watch the fireworks from Lake Eola.

Here are the little firecrackers

Not as thrilled about the festivities as big sisters.

Bob and I celebrated our 11th anniversary....with Tom and Ginger and their brood.  Bob's mom had quadruple by pass 2 days earlier and Robert moved into an assited living facility.  It was a rough week.  It kind of continues to be rough.  Not easy for anyone.

I started a Bible study this summer on Tuesday nights.  It's Beth Moore's Esther and it's been great.  I really look forward to the discussion, the homework, and video presentation.  I needed to get my rear back in the Word so it has been great for me.  We have 20 ladies that come.  It's great!  We are going to start Moore's Fruits of the Spirit in September.  Good stuff!

Lila was discharged from physcial therapy.  She is still a peanut.  We have had various blood tests done and all comes back negative for anything to be concerned about.  Still wish she had more meat on those bones.

Lydia has inherited the cholesterol gene.  Let's see....me, Bob, her grandparents (maternal and paternal), and great grandmother all had this nonsense......and her level is over 300!!!  Awful.  She is seeing an endocronologist in August and a nutritionist.  She is not a big eater as it is and we don't even eat fried foods.  So big changes heading our whole grain way.  : )

I have started to take losing weight seriously.  I did this Medi weight-loss and dropped 10 lbs the first week.  I am SO tempted to go back, but right now the $$ isn't right and I don't have the time to go to the clinic- I'd rather go to the Y which we have been doing.  I have lost 14 lbs and have hidden the scale for awhile.  I weigh myself like 6 times a day.  Becoming a little obsessive.  Such a pain.  I hate messing with weight loss.    I'd love to lose 50 lbs, but will be pleased as punch to lose 40.  AND I hope to do this by my 20th HS reunion in October : )

I am SOOOO excited about the upcoming school year (except if Lina gets this one teacher- then I will be homeschooling- maybe- just pray that my girl is placed with the right teacher).  We have a new principal is AWESOME.  We made muffins one morning and brought them up to school...with some chocolate milk.  He just talked with her and then finally asked her who I was.  It was so sweet.  He is great and has great plans for our school.  I have also signed on for another year of PTA Exec Board.  It's a great way to know what's going on at school, knowing who I want my kid to play with, knowing the teachers, and just generally being involved with the school.  The Board is great- 6 ladies- 5 of us are real active in our churches and Christian ladies.  I love finding Christ in places outside of church.  I worked with another mom and we designed new school shirts.  I need to get my tough skin on now though because if someone doesn't like them- it will tick me off.  : )

Girls are in VBS this week.  We worked on developing our own and I'd say it's going great.  "Fruits of the Spirit" has been great.  Some great people have really stepped up and made it a great week- efforts certainly have been blessed.

Ok.  All caught up on summer.  And there is a little more than 3 weeks left.  WHA????  3 weeks!!  We are looking forward to a beach getaway (Dianne, Scott and kiddos are coming down and we are going to them) and my mom coming (MOM- did you get your ticket yet???)  School starts on the 23rd for Lina.  Lyd starts the following week.  My baby girls....growing up!

Birthday Pedestal and Jealousy

Lydia has had a pretttty great weekend and tomorrow she comes off her pedestal.  We had her family/friends party this afternoon.  I did not plan well and made all kinds of rookie mistakes regarding time.  We asked everyone to come over at 11:30.  I had to call Carmen to rescue us to pick up meat at restaurant- 4Rivers beef brisket and pulled pork.  At 11:30 I was still in my pajams and hadn't made frosting yet for cupcakes!

Thankfully everyone was a little late and I wasn't totally rude still getting ready.  Our spread consisted of: above mentioned meat, pigs in blanket, watermelon, my new yummy grape salad (which is so far from good for you- cream cheese/sour cream, sugar, walnuts, and grapes- YUM), garlic bread, corn pudding, baked beans, olives and pickles, and for dessert vanilla/strawberry cupcakes with chocolate buttercream frosting and gelatis from Jeremiah Ice.

Lydia got to open more presents and really got a kick out of her Barbie motor bike, new outfit, Tianna towel, Princess and the Frog cook book (from guess who....Carmen- so perfect).  While opening presents big sister was outside pouting, by herself.  Lina could not bring herself to be happy for her sister at all this weekend.  Makes me sad.  I tried- yelling at her : ) - didn't work.  We talked about it- didn't change.  We even prayed about it Friday night and again tonight.  I don't get it.  They can play so nicely together all day, but then to show joy/be happy when someone you love it happy- nope.  This summer I need to work on that little relationship.  That and manners.  My girls' manners have really digressed and there is nothing I can't stand more than a child with poor manners.

Lina has 4 days of school this week and 3 next.  THEN it's summer.  Lydia gets to go to Summer Fun at her school this week from 9-1.  That will be fun for her.

Pink EVERYwhere

...even in the eyes.

Lina has been a little off these past few days.  I should know by now that something is brewing/not feeling well.  She has had a runny nose, but no other symptoms of anything.  Until yesterday morning.  She woke with icky eyes.  We washed them and she was off.  Lyd woke up with an icky (not as bad) eye.  Hmmm?

I had to grocery shop and some errands to run after our quick trip to the farmer's market- and it's getting too hot for me to do that anymore.   I got home about 3 hours or so later and whoa whoa whoa.  Lina's eyes looked awful and Lyd was't far behind.

We have an after hours place around the corner from us....that closes at 5PM.  It was 5:05.  Sooooo I used my iphone to find another place- LOVE that handy little resource at my fingertips!  Found one not too far away and we were off.  Thankfully they weren't busy and we were in and out in an hour and that includes filling out paperwork!  That story wouldn't go the same way had we gotten there when we were leaving.  Not a seat to be had in the waiting room. 

Girls have eye drops to do 3x a day for 7 days.  Fun.  Pure fun I tell you!  Lina was great and did them like a champ.  This will come as a surprise.....Lydia screamed and carried on.  I am now painting fingers each time she does it. 

It's Sunday morning and I stayed home from church with the girls.  Both woke up in pure panic that they couldn't open their eyes.  One more so than the other ; 0  Warm wash cloth to the eyes and wha-la!  We did drops and Lina looks soooooooooooooooo much better.  Poor thing.  I think with Lyd we may have nipped her looking as bad as Lina.  Now it's quiet as each girl is either coloring or playing DS.  It looks like another cloudy/rainy day.  Too bad for a holiday weekend.  Not that we have any plans.  JUST hoping it doesn't rain tomorrow when we celebrate Lydia's birthday with family.

Oh Happy Day 4 Lydia

Our morning started at 5:30 with Lydia coming into our room with a balloon "that is soooo small and losing all it's breath".  LOL.  She is too much.  Blew up 24 balloons and had them in Lyd's room for a morning surprise.  Then she and I went to her bed and she fell back to sleep around 6:30.....when I had to get up.  Oh that child.

I wanted to make b-day pancakes so showering before all were awake was the time.

We enjoyed pancakes and our new tradition of the Hidden Cupcake.  Although I didn't hide it.  I got this for my b-day and couldn't wait to use it.  http://thehiddencupcake.com/about.html I had a picture of Tink in there and told Lyd she had to wear her Tink costume and we were going to spend the morning doing something fun.

(Off topic) Lila had PT this morning and Bob went.  He told me that the therapist suggested holding off on Lila's orthotics apt next (were going on the 2nd) week and give her another 2- 3 weeks because she is seeing improvement.  Well alright.  Cancelled that apt!

I let Lyd choose a movie to watch in the car- she chose TinkerBell (shocking).  We were off.  She was so excited when she saw the Mouse on the signs, and thrilled to go in the stores.  Then I told her that she was going to Bibbidi.  "Oh.  Ok".  WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT??  ; )

Lyd was a little overwhelmed in the beginning, but lightened up and enjoyed it.  She loves make up and glitz.  We were next to a sweet 16 girl getting "done up".  It was sweet.  Lydia enjoyed herself, but did NOT like anyone commenting to her how pretty she looked and she didn't want the pink sash on. 

We went to lunch at RainForest Cafe.  Well we sat down and I thought we were having lunch there.  It's loud and Lyd wanted no part of it.  So we walked around Disney Marketplace a bit and shared a chocolate shake for lunch.  Niiiiiice.  Actually it was very nice.  : ) We got CFA drive thru on the way home.  : )

We went and picked up Lina from school and my big girl turned shades of green that I just didn't expect.  First she was mad that we went to Disney without her.  Once I assured her we didn't go to the Park she was fine.  Then we got home and oh. my. word.  U-G-L-Y talking and yelling.  Jealousy raged.  There was extra make up and glitter jewels, but when I asked her to do it she refused.  "I don't like all that fancy".  And she doesn't.  Which is why I totally did expect that.  Lina's b-day is July 1- I asked would you rather have fancy hair or go feed the dolphins?  WITHOUT hesitation- feed dolphins.  Seeeeee?  So an unplanned lesson in jealousy and being happy for those you love when they are happy.

Lina went to go play with Pa for a little bit and came back in a better mood.

Chip for dinner and Jeremiah Ice for a b-day treat.

Lyddie crashed in bed and I just pray she stays for the night.  I am wiped.

It was a fun day.  Happy Birthday my little Stinkerbell.  You push my buttons like no other, but your "I just want to snuggle you" and big brown eyes, hugs, and kisses, and the things you say.....do my heart good.  I love you Lydia Jean!  I am so blessed to be your Momma.

A Year Ago

It was a rainy mean evening- weather wise.  I remember that.  I remember my phone beeping with a text from Bonnie a little after 6:00 and my phone ringing a little after 7:00.....and Bonnie's voice on the other end.  Chris' battle with blasted cancer was won....and the victory all HIS!!!  A year ago.  Sheesh.  Bonnie has amazed me this year.  We would hug, text, even flicked a bra strap (she was crying- I don't handle crying well in public- HAD to do something to make her  laugh) every 26th of the month as they passed.

Tonight we shared a beer via text messages!

Rest in His peace Chris Hahn  You are so very missed!

Celebrate Good Times

- come on! I know you sang it : )

Today was Lyd's class party....7 boys and 3 girls. 1 of those girls loves the boys and gets right down and dirty with them. Not my Lyd. Her little bestest buddy, L, was late so Lyddie looked like a lost pup at her party for a bit. Boys are such different creatures- which is good, I love, and am thankful for. But God gave me girls. I am most thankful for that. : )

The weather was PER-fect and everyone enjoyed all the hard work we have done outside to get ready for this party....and Lyd's birthday party on Memorial Day. Food was great (everyone brought something). Fellowship fantastic!

They are all just adorable kids.

Thanks Mrs. P and Mrs. K for a GREAT first year of school!

Here are the boys charging the teachers as they arrived (LOL) and Lydia NOT looking at the camera.  Grrr!

Lyd was going to have a friend party on Friday and 1 by 1 they all had family plans come up.  Which I get- Memorial Day weekend and all.  SOOO  I asked if everyone would be ok with singing Happy Birthday today....and Lyd totally thought this was her friend party.  He he.  The theme for the party was FUN in the SUN.  I had every intention of cute cupcakes and well my intentions gave way to cleaning my house instead.  Plus Publix makes great cupcakes!  I went there yesterday- told them what kind of cake (cupcake pull apart cake- brilliant) and what our theme was.  THIS is what they came up.  Yea.  I was impressed also.

Tomorrow not much going on.   Need to pick up Hurricane WDS Friends.  Really looking forward to my morning with Lyd on Friday.....I made a reservation for her at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Disney Marketplace.  I am going to let her wear her Tink costume and tell her we are going to go shop.  I fully expect her to flip.  What a racket this little thing is- BUT she will love it.  LOVE it.  She is doing the basic hair and make up and it's something I think is totally ridiculous for a 4 year old.  But I am doing it anyway.

I am Here. Yes, I am Here.

This month is so full of busy-ness.  Fun-ness, but busy and I am about ready for it to all be over!

Tonight I had a bag party!  I met this neat gal years ago and our paths crossed again recently.  She has a monogram business.  Well she buys these super cute re-useable bags, monograms them, and gives $5 per bag to a school/church.  So, I had an open house tonight for Lina's school.  Just from the "eavesdropping" I did on sales- I'd say we made about $300!!!  I'll take some pics and post them.  We'll do another fundraiser in the Fall.

I re-painted the bathroom this weekend.  Doing a garden theme now.  The girls went to bed and it was all white.  When they woke up it was a bright orange.  It's so fun!  The girls' responses were fun as well.

Lina: "Oh my" (her typical response to most things)
Lila: "uh-oh"
Lydia: "That does NOT look like a garden bathroom"  (typical)  : )  She cuts no slack.  Good grief- I just painted and the decorating comes next.  Monkey.

Wednesday we have Lyd's class party at our house.  WHAT AM I NUTS???  12 little 3/4 year olds...and their mommas.  They are so sweet though- 9 boys, 3 girls.  LOL!  It's just 2 hours and there is plenty to do in our little yard.  The mom I am co-hosting with pretty much took care of everything so I just had to clean up and set up on Wednesday AM.  Lydia's b-day is Friday (HUH?) and her little friends all had weekend plans soooooooo, I am making a b-day cake, we'll sing happy birthday, and she will know no different that she didn't have a friend party : ) 

Friday Lydia and I are going to the Disney Bippity Boppity Boutique.  I can't wait.  She is going to flip.  I am going to make her wear her TinkerBell dress- this way we can't buy any more dress up.  On Monday we are having some friends and Bob's family over to celebrate.  Bob finished the doll bunk beds and I made bedding...with matching pillowcase for Lyd. 

Lina is counting down the days till school is out.  It's time.  She will be sad I suspect on that last day- she really loves her Ms. H....and so do I.  Sigh.  We met the new principal coming in August and he is FABULOUS!  So excited for next school year....after a fun, playing summer that is!

May is Flying

It's May 12.  Are you kidding me?

Mother's Day was a nice day.  I woke up and made everyone eggs : ) and we went to church at St. Luke's.  St. Luke's is a church that some of our Trinity family (and Bob's family) are now attending.  We wanted to check it out and not having any responsibilites at Trinity Sunday- we did.  Nice service.  VERY worshipful.  Wonderful sermon.  HUGE HUGE church and congregation.  I am not a mega church gal AT ALL. It wasn't home.  While I enjoyed worship it wasn't home and we will return to our church next week.

I got a fancy new George Foreman grill and hydrangea.  The girls made cards.  We had a nice lunch at Outback and I took an hour nap on the porch.  It was a great day.

Lydia was so sweet with Mother's Day.  Her teacher must have really pushed the whole be nice to mom this weekend.  Because any time she looked at me she would hug me and say "Happy Mother's Day".  She made the below:

Lina's class had a luncheon on Monday for Mother's Day.  It was sweet.  They recited a poem, sang a song, and then said what they love about their mom.

Lina is by far.....the most adorable yet tiniest in her class : )

Lila started physical therapy last week.  I like the lady.  We'll do this one hour a week.  The PT talked about hypotonia kids.  She also has recommended that Lila wear a brace on her right leg.  Sweet girl.  So we will start that process.  I am sure Lila will just LOVE that especially with summer lurking it's ugly HOT head.

Bob is real busy this month.  Which is nice.  His slow months are soooo slow and his busy months are crazy.  So in between watching NBA (GO MAGIC!!) and working....he also started building bunk beds for Lina and Lydia's dollies.  Lina got an American Girl doll for her b-day and Lydia will get one for her b-day in just 2 weeks.  So Bob is building the bed and I am going to sew the bedding.  She will just love it and treasure it...one day.  : )  I also made Lydia a matching pillowcase.  It's pink, gingham, and cherries.  It's sweet.  Pictures coming!

Courage

Wikipedia: Courage, also known as bravery, fortitude, will, and intrepidity, is the ability to confront fear, pain, risk/danger, uncertainty, or intimidation. "Physical courage" is courage in the face of physical pain, hardship, death, or threat of death, while "moral courage" is the ability to act rightly in the face of popular opposition, shame, scandal, or discouragement.

Lina was named Student of the Month in her class for showing Courage.  She is so proud of herself and we are also.  She gets to go to lunch tomorrow with the Principal and another aide. 

When Lina was in K for her short stint at the same school she was named student of the month for perseverance and was going to lunch with the principal.....which had me flipped out about putting my baby in a car of someone I HARDLY KNOW.  I made quite the stink- rightfully so if you ask me.  C'mon.

I MUST....

a few things anyway...

I must start working out again.  I must get a good night's sleep...one of these days.  I must stop saying "yes" all the time.   : )

I am hoping to start going to the Y again.  I was doing so well, but I swear Lila or Lyd was sick every week in the Winter.  Once again I will be hiding in "frump mom" bathing suit and I hate that.

Sleep.  I just can't function when I don't get a few good hours in a row.  In TX I slept so well and came back feeling so refreshed and more patient.  Within 24 hours though I am feeling like I haven't slept in a week.  Both little girls were up through the night (at different times) Sunday night and last night I don't know what happened.  I woke up this morning in Lyd's bed with Lila....and that little sweet pea slept there all snuggled up for an hour after everyone woke up.  I know, I know....one day I will sleep and miss all this.  But for now it's kicking my bootay.

Stop saying yes.  Lydia's class is having an end of the year party....at our house.  No one was stepping up and I just didn't want to go to a park.  It's already too hot out (car read 87 today).  So today I volunteered.  It will be fine and the kids will stay outside, and it's the motivation we/I need to clean up and get things done around the house.  So on 5/26 Lydia's little friends and their mommas will be here to celebrate a great year....from 9:30-11:30.

On a fun note- I registered Lina to be a BROWNIE next year (2nd grade!!!).  I am so excited for her.  It's the troop she was in when she was in K at school.  They keep the group small (12) so it will be nice for Lina to be with her buddies being a Scout!

Don't Mess with Texas

Ok.  So I believe Texans are a rare breed.  Those folks LOVE their state....and well, it is something to love.  Now granted I have 6 (now 5) friends that live in TX that I don't EVER get to see so throw that into the combo of a great state- it's pretty terrific!

Lina and I left early Thursday morning for Houston via Atlanta.  We did great with finding our connecting flight.  Lina is excellent to travel with.  She is helpful, carries her own backpack, loves to read (ANYthing- maps for hours) and loves an adventure.

We arrived on time in Houston and navigated our way to the car rental place, rented our car and we were off.  OFF IN A STATE I HAVE NEVER DRIVEN IN BY MYSELF.  We were to drive a Marquis, but this very TX man told us "two pretty ladies need to be in this" and put us in a sporty Dodge version of Honda Pilot.

Lina and were heading to a little town about 3 hours away from Houston to see my dear friend Kendra and her family.  I haven't seen Kendra since her twins were just born....they are now 4 and baby boy is 15 months old!  Lina reunited with Kendra's oldest, M, like they saw one another last week.  It was sweet.  Kendra lives in the CAAAA-untry!  WOW.  So cool.  They have a huge lot and the girls all just ran and giggled.  We had a delicious dinner, baths, and crashed for the night.  So good to see Kendra.  She is one my good buddies from Hannah's Prayer.  We had a fabulous breakfast and headed N to Austin.

So good to see you, Kendra!  Thanks for the wonderful accomodations and letting us disrupt your evening/morning.

We arrived in Austin with no problems and met with our dear friends from Lutheran Social Services.  This was the adoption agency we used in 2003-2004.  There are only 2 people still there from our time- the director and the girl that did all our paperwork and made sure we had all we needed.  We stayed and visited for over an hour.  Neat ladies.

Nalia played vet with Lina and Lina enjoyed every minute of it.  She would have stayed there for hours.  It was so adorable.

From that visit Lina and I headed Downtown to the Children's Museum.  Way cool museum.

Lina pretending to be a bat in Austin.  Keep reading to find out more about that.

We had lunch at a cute little place and then went to check into our hotel.  Then we met up with our friend and familia at hotel next door and enjoyed happy hour with lots of giggles.  We got to spend the night with the Heitshusens and the Ramiz family.  We had some Mexican food and lots of fun!

My 11 year old godson sucking popcorn up through a straw.  Silly boy.

Amanda's graduation was Saturday morning.  So proud of Ms. Amanda Lynn.....future teacher somewhere that will be very blessed to have her.

Saturday night most of Amanda's extended family left so it wasn't a pack of 30 traveling anymore : )  We met for happy hour again and then headed to see the bats.  Yes.  We planned on seeing bats.  SO gross.  Check this out if you don't know what I am talking about http://www.austinbats.com/   Apparently this isn't the time of year so much for them, but what we saw (and me from way far away) was pretty cool and EWWWW at the same time.  Amanda took Lina down further to see them. She, of course, thought it was all pretty neat.

Sunday morning Lina and I drove back to Houston (we made a triangle in TX) for our 5:00 flight.  I was so blessed to spend a few hours with my friend Jen while Lina played with her boys.  Those moments are few and far....she is such an amazing lady. 

Lina and I got home uneventfully around midnight.  I let Lina sleep in and miss school today.  She slept till 10:35 and it was only because Lila flung the door open and said "hey sissy".  We picked up Lydia at noon and had lunch at Panera.  The girls played sooooo nicely together all day today.  They all needed a break from routine and one another apparently.  I fully expect everyone to sleep through the night.  Lila and Lydia were both up for a good chunk of time last night, but it was ok.  I enjoyed the snuggles, kisses, and reports of the weekend. : )