If the shoe fits...

When I got up from dozing on Sunday on the couch, this is what I saw. Emma, Aaron, and Abby were clomping around in my shoes--Josh's too. They were 'going shopping.' I love it when they all play together.

winter wonderland

We've waited patiently and finally we got some snow before winter officially ended. The kids had a blast although I was more than ready to go into the warm house and drink some hot chocolate.

The local gang

Don't they look scary?!? :)

Question of the day

At an activity several months ago, I made a journal jar, which is basically a huge mason jar filled with tons of questions. Everytime I write in my journal I pick a question and write down my thoughts and memories about it. Supposedly by the time I am done, I will have a nice personal history of myself. Some are just fun facts, some bring back memories, and some ask about personal opinions/beliefs. Since I've started, the kids are often curious what I'm writing about that day. Well last night Emma asked if I had picked my question yet. I hadn't so I let her pick it. The question was: Name 10 things that make you happy. She began to give me ideas (ever the helpful one) but ultimately this is the list that I came up with (in no particular order):

1. Reading to my children...it's easy to let dishes and unfolded laundry take up my time, but every time I take time out to read to them I come away feeling loved and happy...and I still have time to do the dishes. :)
2. Beautiful weather...the last three days have been 75 degrees and breezy.
3. Playing outside with my kids...my kids think it's amazing that a mom can play tag and still hold a baby. I hope they're always so easy to impress.
4. Going on dates with a certain special someone...it's nice to get that one-on-one time. And we're going out (by ourselves) this Friday. Yeah!
5. Learning something new...I really think that I could have been a career student. I love learning. I am currently trying to improve my knowledge of sewing; however, I must admit that I have turned out to be a slow learner in this area. Right now I'm making aprons for the girls.
6. Visiting family...even though it usually leads to overcrowding and sleep deprivation.
7. Having a very handy husband...this has helped to curb many frustrations in my life. Regardless of what I manage to break (even my sewing machine), he calmly comes and fixes it...thus restoring peace to my life. And usually he does it without laughing.
8. Teaching my children...I love to see a light come on as they learn, and I am constantly amazed at the things that they remember.
9. Finding a moment to do something I like....whether it be puzzles, scrapbooking, playing volleyball, or reading a book.
10. MY LIFE...what more can I say.

All I want to do is...Dance, Dance!

Several times a year, Emma's dance teacher has a parents' night where we can stay and watch. I went this past time while a friend watched the other kids. It was a lot of fun to see Emma dancing. She's really enjoying it. Currently, she loves "practicing" tap on our...how can I say this nicely....grocery store tile floors :). Somehow she always wants to practice when I would just love a moment of quiet. However, I am grateful she wants to practice. Her recital is the last weekend in May and she can't wait to get her costumes.

Our Pirate Pizza Party

This evening Aaron and 10 other boys played pirates. We ran through a pirate obstacle course, had races, and made our own pizzas. Some of the pizza ended up burned so I told the kids that as pirates we had to band together and share. At that comment, I was informed that 'pirates don't share!' Everyone had a lot of fun and I was grateful the weather was nicer so we could spend some of the time outside. The boys really enjoyed walking the plank and going on a treasure hunt.
Aaron, giving a hearty...Argh!

Abigail, Aaron, and Brandon....X marks the spot.

Aaron and Emma waiting for the games to begin.

Aaron through the years...

Aaron has grown so much. Time has just flown by. He used to be so impressionable but now he's very independent. He used to ask for my help almost too frequently but now if I try to help my efforts are politely refused. Already he's such a little man. Here's a glimpse into the first five years of his life.
Aaron, at 4 years old, digging a big hole in the yard :) with his dad and grandfather.

Aaron, at 3 years old, working hard with his dad and grandfather.

Aaron, at 2 years old, holding a new born baby Abigail.

Aaron, at 1 year old, on his first camping trip.

Aaron, a few days old, just hanging out with his sister Emma.