Hi There!!
Boy, I haven't been here in awhile :)
This past Tuesday, Daddy had the day off from work, so we decided to take the kids to the zoo! It turned out to be a VERY long day ~ almost 4 hours ~ but a VERY fun day! Here are a few pictures:
Talk to ya soon...
Yesterday, I had a Dr. appointment (which, by the way, went really well :). Daddy came home early and stayed with the 3 littles. While I was gone, they went for a nice walk around the yard. They saw baby ducks in our ditch, fireflies, anthills...all kinds of cool stuff. What does this have to do with lunch?
I have been struggling for a while to come up with lunches for the littles! I have bought books, looked on~line, etc. and have had no luck. Yesterday, after my Dr. appointment, I went shopping at the Whole Foods Store to look for healthy lunch ideas. Still, nothing. Yes, I found healthy food choices (organic, no preservatives, no additives, etc...) but it still was things like spaghettio and mac and cheese type foods. We do use these, I just don't want to use them alot. I was looking for quick, easy, convenient though, and that was all I could find. I did buy a few things (including another book for toddler recipes!), but left unsatisfied.
I got on~line this morning looking again for ideas. As I have several times before, I ran across bento lunches. Some of these are really cool! So I thought I would take a swing at it using leftovers with a few added in things. Last night we had turkey meatloaf for supper. Everything in it was either fresh or organic, additive and preservative free. Healthy. The littles aren't real big on eating leftovers, but it was worth a shot.
Remembering that they saw the baby ducks on their walk with dad yesterday, here is what I came up with:
It was a hit! Well, for all but Sarah. I don't think she liked the meatloaf yesterday either! Overall, the kids liked it and it didn't take long to throw together. The meal caused quite a stir when the littles finally saw it! You should have seen the smiles and heard the chitter chatter at the table! My favorite ~ "Mom, I want more grass (celery)"! My answer? "Absolutely"!
Although these are just pictures of Brandon, both him and Andrea have graduated! Neither one of them wanted a celebration or open house. Brandon actually didn't even want to go through his schools ceremony. His principle talked him into it and bought his cap and gown, so he felt an obligation to do it. I think after all was said and done he was glad he had. We are HAPPY for both of them! They are both off to college in the fall! Andrea to the sister university of her choice for a year or two before she transfers and Brandon is going to a community college for a couple of years and then he also plans on transferring to a university. We are proud of them both for their accomplishments :)
I had a GREAT day yesterday!
When Brandon left for work yesterday he didn't tell me Happy Mother's Day. Really not that big of a deal, usually on little holidays like that he forgets until later in the day when someone reminds him! Then when he see's me he wishes me Happy Birthday or Mother's Day or whatever.
After he left for work, I got up to get a cup of coffee and much to my surprise there was a Russell Stover box of chocolates on the island with a note that said "Happy Mother's Day Ma, Love Ya, Brandon". I admit it was an awesome surprise and made me teary eyed!
When I got out of the shower, and came downstairs to get ready for Mass, 3 little ones came to the bathroom door and yelled "Surprise!". There was one holding a card and another holding a beautiful candle! I cried again!
As I left for church, those same 3 little ones were all at the kitchen window smiling and waving goodbye. Then as I passed the other kitchen window, there was Daddy, smiling and waving goodbye! I cried again! Pulling out of the driveway I was saying ~ I LOVE MY LIFE!
After Mass, Eric met me at the church so I could have Katie and Emma for the afternoon. Katie and I learned to knit, the 5 younger ones all built a "house" in the living room, all around me my blessings were! Even if they weren't in the same room, I could here them. Laughing, fighting, working together. Brandon was off being responsible, so I couldn't hear him :) Andrea was getting ready for her day, they were all home or on my mind.
Later in the afternoon, Ma and Bud came to visit. We had a nice visit while they spent time with the children!
I LOVE MY LIFE!!
She came tonight as I sat alone, the girl I used to be.
And she gazed at me with her earnest eye, and questioned reproachfully:
Have you forgotten the many plans and hopes that I had for you?
The great career, the splendid fame, all the wonderful things to do?
Where is the mansion of stately height, with all of its gardens rare?
The silken robes that I dreamed for you, and the jewels in your hair?
And as she spoke, I was very sad, for I wanted her pleased with me.
This slender girl from the shadowy past, the girl that I used to be.
So gently rising, I took her hand, and guided her up the stair
Where peacefully sleeping, my babies lay, innocent, sweet, and fair.
And I told her that these are my only gems, and precious they are to me;
That silken robe is my motherhood, of costly simplicity.
And my mansion of stately height is love, and the only career I know
Is serving each day in these sheltered walls, for the dear ones who come and go.
And as I spoke to my shadowy guest, she smiled through her tears at me.
And I saw that the woman that I am now, pleased the girl that I used to be.
Talk to ya soon...
Brandon had a piano recital on Saturday. It was fantastic!! He wrote this song himself. When I say wrote, I don't mean he wrote it out on paper! It is all in his head! He can't read music ~ which means he can't write out what is in his head. About 10 - 12 years ago he took 1 year on formal piano lessons, that's it. This year he took a piano improv class. He went in with this song he wrote, played it for the instructor, and the instructor would give him tips or advice! He loved the class!!
Check it out and listen to his God given talent!
...it is improving! Somewhat. I am having more good days than bad now! Always a good sign :) I have been having trouble getting a whole lot accomplished these days because of it! But things are perking up. I went to the Dr.'s a few weeks ago for a nurse intake appt. While there they performed an ultrasound to check for a multiple pregnancy. There is only one little one floating in there :) We wouldn't have been disappointed if there had been more than one, but we are quite relieved that it is just one again this time. Twins are awesome, but also a lot of work!!
Everybody else here is doing great. Sissy has declined her college admissions and chosen to complete her first year or two at a community college near her college of choice to save her some money!! Smart girl I say!!
Bubby is currently taking improvisation piano lessons and is LOVING every minute of it! He has been writing his own music for awhile now. His instructor e-mailed me to let me know that him and Bubby's fellow students just love the music he writes! I know I love hearing him play :) He asked the other day if he could live with us forever! I said "Why would you ever want to live with your parents forever?". He gave me his reasons, then I said "Of course you can"!! Wait till he is 25 and tells his date that he still lives with his parents :) He will find his own place real quick I'm sure :)
Sister K and Sister E are both enjoying the socialization at school. Whenever they come home I ask them if they discovered anything new in school that week. Usually the answer is no! But last week Sister E said "Ya, I discovered that when you are in the 4th and 5th grade, you have to make your own valentines box! And, I SUCK at it!" Sister K complained about not succeeding in passing the swimming test to be able to go into the deep end! We were surprised because she is a VERY strong swimmer! She'll get there! Were glad they are getting something out of the 32 1/2 hours they are in school!
The 3 littles are growing, growing, growing! Our little peanut surprises us every day with all of her new words!
My computer got yet ANOTHER virus not to long ago, and I haven't uploaded KODAK yet, so I don't have any pictures for you. As soon as I find more time I will do that for you :)
Hope the rain there stops soon!! We are getting some rain today. Most of the snow is gone (not a good thing for us...shows all the toys we never got picked up out of the yard last year :(
Talk to ya soon...
