Cherish the moments

This. This moment where they want to be curled up to me. Love them more than anything. The last few weeks have really difficult on me as a mom. I had foot surgery on December 21st. I haven't been able to help around the house. I haven't been able to get little ones dressed, make same old, same old, give nice warm baths, and tuck them in at night. But we are forging ahead! We are thankful for every moment we have with our healthy kids. 

I return to work on Monday. I cherish the extra week I was able to stay home and try to be a mom. Now the fast paced world will return where I just want to stop and enjoy the moments as a family. 2015 was busy and I anticipate 2016 will be nothing less. 

Santa Success

He did it! First year with no tears from either kiddo! Both ran right up to Santa and sat down to tell him what they wanted. It's so fun to watch them get into the magic of the season! 

Jack asked for Legos and Ava asked for American Girl doll accessories. They each had a cookie and it was a successful trip to see Santa this year.

We even had a surprise snow storm yesterday to get us in the Christmas spirit! 

Little man's birthday

Today Jack turned 4. We are so blessed to have such a fun little man in our lives. His sister doesn't love anyone more than Jack a boy! It was a day full of donuts, make-believe, playing in the leaves, and a movie to end the night. He was so happy today!!! 

Funny story of the week...Jack told his friend, Rory she had to poop 5 times in order to come to his birthday party. What a goof! Rory has had some potty problems in the past so apparently Jack was listening.

Some of his favorite things:

Show: PJ Masks

Food: toast with cinnamon sugar

Friend: Rory and Xavier at school

Toy: Legos and anything Star Wars

Bedtime: 8:30

Wake up: 6:30 weekdays 7:45 weekends

Activities: swinging, playing "pewww" with his Star Wars characters

Movie: Despicable Me

I can't wait to see what this year holds for Jack!

Mommy, will you swing me?

I know ten years from now, I will miss him asking me to push him on the swing.  He loves to swing.  I mean he loves to swing.  He could swing any chance he could, but the problem is I have to stand there and push him.  I can think of a million things I could be doing, but I try to take in the moment.  I mean he is full of pure bliss, glee, smiling from ear to ear.  Higher, higher, he says.  He must really love that feeling of soaring through the air.  With the incredible weather we have been having we have been staying outside longer, which in turn leads to more swinging.

Ava, on the other hand, who used to love swinging, is more into the monkey bars these days.  She is trying and has succeeded at them this past summer.  She also had a fall, which knocked the wind out of her.  Now, she is a little fearful that may happen again.  So, now she is more apprehensive when it comes to the monkey bars.

Swing on, kids!  You won't have your whole lives to live in that moment!

Year 13

I finished my 13th year of teaching today. Not my best year professionally or personally. I struggled with my class and working with the adults. I just didn't feel like I was appreciated at all.

Personally, Jake worked a lot! I was on my own with the kids 3 nights a week. I didn't workout much, gained weight and ate poorly. There is so much pressure to be thin, fit, and healthy and that added a lot of stress to my life. 

I'm hoping that I have the summer to reflect and rejuvenate! I want to focus on the kids in my class next year and that's it! What will make them grow and feel great about learning! I'm looking forward to taking the next few weeks to step away from school and the people who work there. I need to decompress and focus on my family. 

Here Goes Nothing

Love it! Jack's new saying tonight when he sat down in the bathtub. What a character he is. Full of spirit and lots of drama at the age of 3. Still doesn't like to get his shoes dirty or anything on his hands, hates water from above. Loves to run and run fast. Plays make believe a lot. Love to listen to him play. 

Ava is into "studying" and dancing. Less drama lately and more maturity. Has a best friend who she adores, Sophia. Loves the fairy books, watching The Voice and swimming on Saturdays. Can't believe she will be 7 in June!

Blessings

What am I blessed with, 

My two children who are healthy and love able

My husband who is a great dad and my best friend

A warm house to come home to every night

A wonderful set of parents who I have come to appreciate more and more as I have grown up

A sister who I can call at any time and vent to and she won't judge, but just listen

My health, I am very lucky to be as healthy as I am

A church to call home where I feel like I am at home, love the people, music, and the message every week