Yesterday we had a small Easter egg hunt in our back yard. I used to love egg hunts when I was a kid even though I was hunting hard boiled eggs. These kids have it too good. Here is Gwen finding a prized egg (with 50 cents in there).
Romy playing with her babies. I guess she's calling a friend to talk about how taxing raising children is.
Romy with her prized egg. Zeke was oh so helpful in "helping" her find it.
Zeke found his prized egg.
Last night Gwen was up sick. I'll spare you the details...but not fun. After a long nap this morning her color has come back and this is her feeling better. My two girls. God has been so gracious with me.
Hey mom, I know something really easy to spell. (what Zeke) TV. T. V.
How many miles is it to the dessert? How many miles to the cold place where penguins live? How many to the ocean where sharks live?
I've been thinking today how life is one series of surrenders after another. It takes wisdom to know what to take up and what to lay down.
I went out on a limb and asked to try that solo in the video before. I tried it and it was ok... but after several times of singing it in front of my peers I felt insecure. So I voiced my concern and now it looks like someone else will be singing it. I'm ok with it. In fact, I feel relief. What's that saying about setting something free and if it returns to you it was yours all along? I don't know...but I let it go.
That's just a small thing.... but these small things can really make up a life. I mean, how many times in a marriage do you have to surrender something? How many times as a mom do you have to surrender something? lots.
Here's a story I first heard about on Focus on the Family. I sometimes listen to that program in the morning as I get the kids ready for school. I was struck by this woman's heart and outlook in the midst of a difficult situation. She just went home to heaven a few days ago, so please say a prayer for her family.
What is the fartherest world there is? I'll bet they have sharks there. I like sharks.
What does "h-t-r" spell? Nothing Zeke. What about heater? Yeah, that's close.
Will a snail eat a tater tot?
We did another Mr. Otter art studio project. The sunset silhouette. Gwen used hers as an entry into an Arbor day poster contest. If she wins she will plant a tree with the mayor.
Zeke made his with mythical creatures.
Today we went to the zoo. We had a very nice time. The red panda was a highlight as well as the king penguins.
We saw a hawk this morning flying around our neighborhood. Spring break has been great. I'll be a little sad to see Gwen go back to school honestly.
It's hard to say what staying home with children is like until you experience it. These every day moments are ones I will treasure for a lifetime.
Gwen and Zeke swinging on the swing set.
Romy and the Adirondack chair reading.
Today was such a beautiful day. We were at the library and on our way back we met my Egyptian neighbor walking with some of her grandchildren. She invited Gwen and Zeke to go along. So here they are walking hand in hand with a neighbor. It was such a sweet scene that I had to snap a photo.
I have not heard a more beautiful song recently than this. What a beautiful voice this girl has! We are preparing this song for an upcoming concert. Maybe I'll try out for the solo (?)
I haven't slept really well in a number of days now. It seems there is someone always scared, had an accident on themselves, ect. ect during the night these days. I guess the kids are showing the lack of sleep also because Gwen got in trouble right before dinner and then when she came down she gave me this two sided note. :)
Romy's pass times include playing with dolls and pushing this Adirondack chair around and sitting in it and "reading" books and laughing her head off at them.
This morning Zeke got sick. I found him like this when I came down from the shower. Asleep. With the Wii remote in his arms.
Nothing says spring like baby birds right? Well... move over baby birds... we've got baby owlets. That's right. Up the road near where Zeke goes to preschool they discovered some owlets. I haven't seen them in person, but Zeke's teacher sent me these photos of photos... so that's why they are grainy. Today I am going up there and looking at them in person. I've never seen owlets in person. Kansas has so much wildlife to behold!
Zeke this morning. Isn't he cute?
The kids have watched this story over and over and now we have owlets to LOOK at!!! Can you tell I'm excited about owlets?
Today: When you die, do you become an angel? (no, Zeke, people are different than angels)
What part of you is still alive after you die? like your heart? (yes, a little like your heart. It is called a spirit.)
This is the music I am preparing for an upcoming concert. I am so blessed to be able to do this kind of music.
A memorial to his lost son, Howells wrote this deeply personal, moving
tribute in 1932 and kept it hidden from the world until he was finally
persuaded to publish it in 1980, just three years before his death.
Today we finally got a warmer day. The kids were so excited that after school they changed clothes into summer attire. Zeke came racing down the hill looking like this. I couldn't help but laugh a little.
Romy smiling. She's still so sweet but recently learned the word "no" and likes to say it.
Just so you don't think I'm Pollyanna, this picture happened a short while before Gwen became angry with her brother and when corrected became disrespectful which resulted in a trip home for a "disciplinary action".
I'm not sure what you do when you fold clothes, but I like to sing worship songs. This one has been on repeat at my house. It resonates with me so much and I love singing it to God. Sometimes when you are home caring for little ones you can feel alone or forgotten...but God sees and better yet, He is with me every moment.
This is Zeke's dragon made from an idea from a tutorial here. We used broken egg shells in the painting of this dragon (for scale effect). Zeke did everything himself. We learned the hard way that if a project calls for "acrylic" paint that tempura just won't give the same results. He decided to make his dragon a ninja dragon with a eye band and belt carrying his many weapons. (cause you know that fire breath isn't enough) He also drew in a bamboo forest around the dragon. Although I was a little disappointed in how the paint did and how long this project took, Zeke had fun doing it. I think we will try a simpler art project next time. Thanks to my good friend Leah for suggesting this site!
Today:
How long do you go to jail if you do something bad?
Do they feed you in there? (Yes, balogna sandwiches)
In conclusion: Zeke wants to go to jail for the bologna sandwiches.
