The broken arm saga...

How in the world did Emilynn manage to break her arm?  Sigh.....It was such a simple thing.  The very day school let out, she decided to climb on the doorway playhouse that we have.  She told some other people (but not us) that she was pretending the playhouse was on fire, and she had to jump off the roof.  ??  Anyway, she fell and landed with her wrist bending back behind her. 
She came to me crying, and right away something looked "off".  Literally.  Her arm started in one direction, then jetted out to the side.  It also had a weird "U" shape in it.
Dustin was in another room, so I was calling for him.  Meanwhile my mom called to tell me that she wasn't going to be able to help me clean on Tuesday like we had planned because Hunter had broken his pinkie at school and had to go to an orthopedic doctor the next day.  
I told her I may be headed their way (they were at KidMed) because Emilynn had just hurt her arm. 
Dustin checked it out and we both agreed she needed an x-ray.  Emmy and I loaded up and headed to KidMed.  We stopped at a McDonald's and picked up Poppy from Amanda.  He headed back to KidMed for the second time in just a few hours. 
We got there and got all checked in, and they took the xrays.  I honestly thought maybe it was just sprained badly or something. 
The nurse practitioner quickly came back in and said it was broken in two places, and we needed to be at the pediatric orthopedist's office at 7:45 a.m. the next morning, prepared to have surgery to fix the breaks.  They then put a little temporary cast on her arm and gave us orders not to eat or drink after midnight, and off we went.  I spent the ride home trying to figure out babysitters for the boys for the next morning, although most people were asleep at this point since it was 11:30 p.m. 
We got everything straight and dropped Poppy off, and got home around 12:30 p.m.  I think I slept about 3 hours that night, cause I was afraid I'd oversleep and we needed to be up by 5 a.m. to leave by 6 a.m.
Emilynn, I have to say, was in great spirits through everything.  She has a high pain tolerance, and a positive attitude, so she was a happy girl. 
We walked into the dr.'s office and even though the receptionists weren't expecting us, they were so kind and helpful and great with Emilynn. 
We then headed to the hospital to check in with the surgical waiting folks.  We didn't have to wait too long before we were taken to a pediatric surgical waiting area, which had color books, crayons, books, and t.v.  You know t.v. is a luxury for my kids these days!  It was nice and kept us occupied. 
Of course we met all the pre-surgery people- anesthesia nurse, anesthesiologist, and the doctor performing the surgery.  Then, it was time for her to go.  She popped right up and went with the anesthesia nurse.  I had to ask her could we please have a hug & kiss!  The stinker. 
She was so brave walking down the hall hand in hand with the nurse. 
We headed out to get our pager and wait some more.  Does anyone else find it bizarre you get a restaurant style pager now at hospitals? 
Anyway, Dustin wanted to get her a treat from the gift shop, so we did that and then a volunteer came to get us and said the doctor was on the phone.  I freaked because it had not been long at all.  He was just calling to reassure us that everything went well and it was done!  Awesome.  We then waited a bit before we got to go see her in recovery.  She came to with a huge smile on her face and was doing great.  She chose a purple cast, and got a sling like Poppy had with his recent surgery.  She had a popsicle and then we loaded her in a wheelchair and headed for home.  She wasn't supposed to eat much since she had the anesthesia, but she ate applesauce, 4 chick-fil-a nuggets, a handful of fries, and sweet tea.  She was hungry!  She kept all of that down, then had some pizza for dinner.  I guess she was making up for her fasting time! 
As far as her pain goes, she has been in some pain, but not too bad.   She has been great about telling me when she's in pain so I can give her meds, and I've been giving her something before bed so she can sleep well, which she has.  We all have! 
It's been a whirlwind couple of days, that's for sure! 
She has been having fun soaking up all the attention from everyone-and collecting signatures on her cast.  This has definitely changed the summer plans for a few weeks anyway, as she can't get it wet, or get sand or anything in it.  Also, I don't think it's a good idea to do anything too rambunctious, so their Monkey Joe's trip is definitely postponed.  I guess we will work on the more calm items on their summer bucket list! 
We go back next week for a follow up, then again in 3 weeks for a new cast that will be waterproof!  Wahoo!!  I have no idea how long she will wear it after that.  I do feel sorry for her because the cast is above her elbow, so she can't straighten her arm.  I feel like that could get annoying after a while. 
We will see. 

As far as cousin Hunter goes, he broke his pinky playing kickball at school.  They didn't call my sister or anything, they just found out when they picked him up that he was hurt.  His orthopedist, a totally different doctor, decided he needed surgery as well.  He had his surgery yesterday, to reset his finger.  He is in a soft, wrap type cast.  They are "broken bone buddies", although he was not as happy as Emilynn yesterday when we saw him.  I hope he will be happier in the next few days!  It is cute because they've been talking on the phone "comparing war stories" I suppose and giving advice to each other.  Emilynn told him to be sure to ask for a red popsicle when he woke up from surgery! 

Who would believe they would both break stuff on the very same day, and both have surgery???  It's a strange turn of events, that's for sure! 

We started with a bang!

I said I was going to post every day in May, and by golly-I am! 

I am so tired I don't know that I have a coherent thought right now. 

School ended Monday, just a mere 48 hours ago, and already we've had.....

1 broken arm (2 places broken)
1 unplanned surgery
2 casts
3 babysitters for the boys
12 visitors stopping by to check on our girl
too many texts to count checking on us

and at least 150 pixie sticks full of sugar- thanks Meme!!!!! 

I think it's safe to say we started summer with a bang!!! 

Craziness!!!

Just a quick post-last night and today has been crazy!!!  Emilynn fell and broke her arm in two places last night right before bed.  She has surgery this morning.  I got about 4 hours of sleep last night, so I will post more details when I get a chance!   Poor girl is in a cast up past her elbow. 
My nephew Hunter also fell and broke his pinky at school, in an unrelated event!  So random, them both breaking something the very same day.  He is having surgery tomorrow. 

More then.....

Big things happening today!!!!

Today was graduation day!  It was such a cute little program the kids did.  I am surprised I didn't cry!  I held it together though.  I am sad the year is done.  Will I feel that way each and every year's end?  I don't know.  I've never done this before!  I do know that I hope Carson doesn't fight me every single school day next year! I also hope Henry will quit being stubborn and finish his potty training so he can go to pre-school.   Those are my hopes for the fall!  :-)
I am SO proud of my little graduates though, they have come so far this year!!!  We are so blessed to have gained so many new friends, especially their patient, loving teacher, Mrs. S.!  I couldn't have chosen a better teacher, especially to help with Carson's school anxiety.  We are looking forward to Henry having her as well! 

Something else is going on today.  Something BIG.  Bigger than Pre-K graduation! 

It's surgery day!  The cleft palate surgeries started today! 

You can go to www.stji.org to follow the progress.  Just scroll down and there's a place you can click to see pictures from the first day.  

Here is a picture from the site........isn't she absolutely precious?  I am honored to have helped in a small, small way.  I can't imagine the hope these parents feel. 

Sunday Scripture

When I was thinking of what scripture I wanted to post today, I really wasn't sure.  I don't have a particular scripture on my heart.  What has been on my heart is a bit of sadness for one of Dustin's co-workers, who lost his 31 year old son to cancer.  The gentleman is such a wonderful friend to Dustin and a great example to everyone, as he is a devout Christian who really "walks the walk."  I cannot imagine the pain he is going through to lose a child. 
It is my hope he can find some comfort in scripture and knowing that he WILL see his son again. 

As a parent, again it amazes me to think that God gave his only son to save us from our sins.  Amazing love. 

I am reminded of one of my favorite worship songs....Amazing Love by Chris Tomlin. 

It goes-

Amazing love.
How can it be?
That you my King
would die for me. 
Amazing love.
I know it's true.
It's my joy to honor you.


Amazing love indeed! 

Saturday Ramblings...

I love Saturdays where we don't have anywhere we HAVE to be.  Today was one of those days!  Dustin got up and decided to work in his garage and around the yard.  I got up at a glorious 9:30 a.m.!  Wahoo!  That never happens!  I got up and headed to a yard sale some friends were having.  I had debated going, but I was sure glad I did!  I got so much good stuff!  I got the boys 12 or so shirts for school in the fall, and a couple for this summer.  They are all like brand-new and are Gymboree and Janie and Jack brands.  I got myself 6 shirts, all of which are Ann Taylor Loft and so comfortable.  I paid $25 for all of it.  I could have gotten much more probably, but I had put myself on a budget.  I do wish I had had more time to look through my size stuff, after I got home and realized how comfortable the Loft shirts are!  I checked out their website and oh my!  They are very expensive shirts.  No wonder they are comfy! 

We basically just piddled around the house/yard all day, then decided on the spur of the moment to head to town and watch a local parade that Dustin's uncle was the grand marshal of.  The kids love a parade, and it is cheap, free entertainment!  I have to say, the kids loved the parade, but it was only about 15 things in it, and that was it.  You blinked, you missed it.  They didn't realize that, so it was fine.  His uncle received a lovely plaque and it was a nice honor for all of his service to the community.  He really helps so many people and is such a wonderful example of having a servant's heart.  That is why we felt lead to name Henry after him. 

After the parade, we took the kids to see all the tractors that were in town for the Homecoming weekend.  Oh my, my kids LOVE a tractor.  We went to each and every one and oohed and ahhed over them all.  Then we went to the train museum in town.  Our kids also LOVE trains.  We are probably the only people who see a train crossing and actually hope a train is close!  We have to stop, roll down the windows, and just enjoy watching it go by. 
The train museum is free and we have never been in it.  We probably wouldn't have gone today, but the kids saw it was open and asked.  They got to go in several trains- two engines and a caboose.  The caboose was the favorite for sure.  Henry cried and cried when we had to leave.  The indoor museum had some running model trains too, which were neat. 
I am glad we finally made it to see this local attraction.  I am sure we will go back at some point. 

The last highlight of my day was a nap!  I don't even know how that happened, but I laid on the couch for a minute and woke up a couple of hours later!  Another wahoo!!!!! 
It was amazing! 
We topped the day off with Applebee's and some play time with the kiddos, and bed.  It was a lovely way to spend a low-key Saturday with the family.  :-) 

Last Day of Preschool!!! And the cutest Mother's Day gift idea!!!!

Today was the day-the last day of preschool!!!  Graduation is Monday.  I have to admit, it was kind of sad!   Just knowing that that particular group of kids won't ever be together in class again-so much is changing next year.  We will miss some friends-I think the hardest thing will be having Carson and his best pal Genevieve apart.  Sniff, sniff!  She is younger, and will be in class with Henry next year if he can ever, EVER finish potty training!  We will still see her at school, and hopefully do some play dates this summer!  We have literally been out of school for about 2 hours, and have had one good knock-down, drag-out fight between the kids.  Oh, summer will be fun!! 

Anyway, here is the gift we got from school for Mother's Day. 

Isn't that the cutest idea?  I love it!  It's an "ice cream" sundae, but it's really bath salts, a bath puff, and straw, all in a nice glass.  I am totally copying this idea! 
The poem says "This sundae is not for you to sip, it's for you to relax and take a dip."  Or something like that-so cute! 

Oh, and in case you are wondering....Yes, that is a chicken house in the background!  I'm classy like that!  :-) 
We actually rode home the "country way" and stopped by a field where Papa was bailing hay-the kids like to watch.  It's like a surprise every time a bale pops out!  You may be from the country if someone says they are "bailing hay at the chicken houses" and you know exactly where that is! 

Summer Bucket List

Here's a picture of the summer "bucket list" the kids came up with.  It is on the fridge right now.  We have already gone to pick strawberries, and been to the Y once.  I guess we are well on our way since the last day of school is tomorrow! 

And yeah, I am not sure what's up with the kool-aid.  I guess my kids are deprived??  Trust me, they get plenty of sugary drinks.  I guess just not "kool-aid". 

I am thinking it would have been cheaper to just go on a vacation, once we pay for all these "staycation" options.  Actually, a lot of it will be free or really cheap.  The Yankee Candle shop is really cool and they have certificates to make their own candles there-fun!  The ferry is free as well.  Twin Lakes is cheap, library is free, playdates are free-although I am not sure we can catch up with their whole list of friends.  It should be a fun summer nonetheless!!!  :-) 

Pictures from the First Day of Preschool

I thought I would share a picture or two from the beginning of school since this week marks the end of preschool.  My how the year has flown!!!

Ready to go with the backpacks they chose. 

Walking in to class.  What a big milestone! 

T.V.-less

Well, our living room t.v. is definitely shot.  This means the kids haven't had their shows since Friday.  I honestly can say, I much prefer it this way.  They truly do not fight as much without t.v. (I had noticed this before when we didn't have t.v. for one reason or another).  They also play and are much more creative without it.  We aren't planning to run out and just replace it right away, because that really doesn't teach a good lesson in my opinion.  We will instead wait a bit.  I mean, I don't know how long we will wait, but there are just other things we had planned to purchase/pay for and the t.v. wasn't one of those things.  I certainly don't think it warrants taking money from our savings account to replace.  We will just see how long we can do without.  I mean, honestly, I think things have gotten a bit ridiculous with t.v.s in everyone's bedrooms in the home.  We never had t.v. in our rooms growing up.  We had 3 major channels, and on good days PBS & Fox.  I think I was about 12 when we got one of those HUGE satellite dishes and we really thought we were something!  We still only had one t.v. in the house, so you had to agree on what you watched.  Now, we do have a t.v. in our bedroom, which I honestly debated for a LONG time.  Dustin really wanted it more than I did.  I must admit, it IS nice at the end of the day to watch a show and relax.  I mostly read at night though, which is what I told the kids they will have to do!  :-)  I have been letting them watch one bedtime show on our bed at night.  I think they will appreciate t.v. much more now, to say the least! 
On the way home from my sister's house on Saturday night, Carson said, "I wish I could move and live with Aunt Amanda 'cause she has t.v.!".  Ha! 

Strawberries!!!

We picked strawberries today, and despite my best efforts to remind the children the berries to pick, I still ended up with lots and lots of white or orange berries from Henry.  Oh well.  It was a lot of fun, and was one of the things the kids put on their "summer bucket list".  I hope to freeze plenty for smoothies, since they are a staple around here!  I have modified our smoothie- here is what we do now....

apple juice (I just eye ball everything.  They always turn out yummy!)
yogurt (I like Stonyfield brand in the big tubs)
frozen strawberries
spinach
honey (local)

These are so refreshing and the kids always ask for them.  I like that we get in a serving of spinach this way, and local honey.  Carson especially loves them.  I also love how our Blendtec blender makes these!  You have no clue about the spinach or yogurt (which I don't like normally).  It grinds everything up so well!  Definitely worth the investment! 

Anyway- I hope to get even more berries to freeze before the season is over! 

Maybe I'll even make a strawberry pie!  Yum!

Be sure to get plenty of berries before berry season is over for another year!!!!!!!!! 

There is nothing like a fresh berry right off the vine!  I honestly forget about germs, etc. and just enjoy a few fresh ones!  The kids love to pick and I help them a bit.  We all leave happy!  :-)

Guatemala

We have recently had the privilege of helping raise money to provide much needed cleft palate surgeries in Guatemala.  A team from right here in Virginia is going in a week or so to perform 40 surgeries.  A ten year old girl at church decided she wanted to help raise money for surgeries, and we decided to help her out!  The team is doing 40 surgeries, and they cost $250 each.  Paighten set a goal of funding 2 surgeries.  I had kind of set a goal of 5, but didn't say anything.  Well, two were paid for in almost the first week just from church donations.  Then Paighten went up to a goal of 5.  I am so happy that we went past that too and made enough for 8 surgeries!  Wahoo!  Paighten set up a bake sale, and my three kids plus Cousin Hunter set up a lemonade stand very early on a Saturday morning last month.  It was hard to get the kids up so early, but they were troopers and had a good time!  Each had their own job- Carson sold strawberries, Hunter got lemonade for people, and Emilynn did sweet tea.  Henry didn't have an "official" job.  He helped where needed.  The kids sold $70 worth of goodies!  Paighten's bake sale was a huge success.  I am blown away by how generous people were and how supportive they were of this ministry.  I can't imagine being a mother and not being able to provide your child the medical care they need.  I hope and pray that these mothers, babies, and families will be touched and will know that even though we have never met them, we love them and Jesus loves them.  People do care.  I have always felt a pull towards missions and am so thankful that I am at a church where I can be hands on with missions and make a real impact and see real results.  Paighten's grandma travels to Guatemala several times a year, and it is my hope to one day go as well.  For years I have wanted to go on a missions trip and when my kids are a bit bigger I hope to go.  For now, I will do all I can to help because if it was my child, I would want someone to help me. I think sometimes in America we tend to forget how ridiculously blessed we are.  I mean, here I am stressing about getting the kids shots for school in the fall.  What a blessing I can just take them and get that done!  Sometimes cooking dinner is a pain, but wow-we have running water at our disposal and a freezer and fridge full of food!  Laundry is piled up and always annoys me- when in reality the problem is we just have too many clothes!  We are immeasurably blessed with everything we need and a huge abundance in fact. 
Which brings me back to Guatemala.  Yesterday at church, our family was each given a bracelet.  It didn't cost much at all I am sure.  It was made with string, but in beautiful colors and designs.  It means more to be than any jewelry I have been given, aside from my wedding rings, because it was lovingly made in Guatemala by a boy.  It is a thank you gift of sorts for us helping them fund their surgeries.  I was not expecting such a gift, and it truly means the world because it was made with love.  It is something I will treasure. 
As I have found with so many things, we do things and we think we are blessing others.  In reality, we are the ones who end up so blessed! 

Sunday Scripture

Happy Mother's Day! 

What is more fitting than Proverbs 31 for Mother's Day??? 

This is one scripture I read so very often. 

I challenge everyone to read it in it's entirety.   I also enjoy reading the Proverbs that corresponds to the calendar day each day.  For example, today is the 10th, so I will read Proverbs 10.  There are 31 Proverbs, so it's just a fun thing to do I think.

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty if fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."
                                                                    ~Proverbs 31:30

Procrastinating!

Okay, so I am always waiting till the last minute for stuff.  Today was no exception.  Actually, I have done better the past few years because I HAVE to have some sleep these days to function with the kids.  I think I'm getting old-haha!  I used to not require so much sleep! 

We got in late, so I got up a bit late, then went to town to buy Mother's Day gifts.  Now, we live in an extremely small town so I have to be a little creative.  :-)  Anyway, I found some good stuff (in my humble opinion) and also ran into my mom & Aunt Debbie.  I actually let them pick out their gifts- easy peasy.  They wanted plants.  I knew that.  My mom got this tree, and then we spent a while trying to get the thing into my car.  I finished the rest of my list, then started Landon's birthday cake.  With only 6 hours till party time.  Yikes! 

I think they turned out okay.  As long as I have a plan, I can usually make it the day of the party no problem. 

Here are a few blurry pictures from my cell phone:

A Paw Patrol cake

Cupcakes-not sure why I can't turn the picture. 

 

Now we are ready to "Paw-ty!" 

Some Random Stuff....

It's baseball day!  The kids are so excited to be going to a minor league game tonight, although I don't think they quite understand what it's all about.  We are heading out after school, so I am trying to get everything ready to go.  I am actually packing light for once.  I am only taking in my camera & ball gloves.  No food smuggling today.  Shocking, I know!  Cousin Hunter is going with us, and we are meeting Morgan, Dylan, and also Genevieve from school there.  It should be lots of fun! 

Henry asked me today, "Mom, did you finish my potty training?"  Uhh...no!  I told him he has to poop in the potty too.  Funny boy. 

Our t.v. is messing up.  Urgghh...that is such a pain!  I hate when electronic stuff doesn't work.  I really do. 

The twins' teacher has been out sick for two days.  Today when I left, Carson was getting a piggy back ride to the other preschool class from the principal.  I thought it was so cute!  Everyone at their school is so sweet with them.  I am glad we chose this school and have no regrets. 

At some point I need to bake a cake for my nephew's party tomorrow.  Not sure when I'll do that....but we'll see!  I always seem to get them done, even at the last minute! 

Have a great weekend! 

T.G.I.F.! 

Happy Birthday "Baby" Landon!

Today is my precious nephew, Landon's, 2nd birthday! 

He has been such a sweet addition to our family.  It's been so fun to watch him grow the past 2 years, and also watch my children interact with their cousin.  They each have a different relationship with him. 
Carson likes to be his "babysitter" and will follow him around the entire time we are at my grandma's "watching him" and reporting on what he's doing.
Emilynn does pretty much the same thing, but less of it.  She will mother him a bit though and report back to "Aunt Bamanda" what "baby Landon" has done.
Henry...oh Henry.  He and Landon have a love/hate relationship.  Henry likes to bully Landon because he's the only one smaller than him.  We are working through this, and actually they seem to be getting along much better the past month or so (thankfully!).  They both have a tendency to get into mischief, so I keep telling them if they would ever join forces rather than fight, they would REALLY get into some stuff! 
I am sure this coming year, as they are 2 & 3 will prove that to be the case! 

We are anxiously awaiting Landon's Paw Patrol party on Saturday!!! 

And as an Aunt, I am looking forward to watching him grow in the coming year and see all the new stuff he can do!  I mean, I love babies, don't get me wrong.  But I really love it more when they are about 2-3 and can start talking and interacting so much more.  It should be fun & also to see someone else going through the "terrible twos!"  Haha!  It seems like just yesterday I made his Mickey Mouse Clubhouse birthday cake. 

Happy 2nd birthday baby Landon! 

The Farmer's Market

I went to the farmer's market for the first time today-another sign of summer!  I love the farmer's market!  I discovered our local one last year.  I know in big cities people seem to say the markets are pricey.  Our little local one is not pricey at all.  Last year I used to take $20 and see how much I could get for that.  I think this year I will try to do the same, but I may also plan my grocery shopping after the farmer's market, so I can do part of my list there and just fill in from the store afterwards.  Instead of spending an EXTRA $20, you know? 
Anyway, here's what Henry & I got today...

1 bag of lettuce (gallon size bag)- $1
2 bars goat's milk soap (my favorite for me)- $3 each = $6
4 thornless blackberry bush plants $3 each = $12

So I spent $19 today.  They also had some green onions, eggs, homemade dog treats, homemade skin salve, kale, and maybe some other stuff I forgot. 

As the season goes on they usually get more farmers and have homemade breads/scones, local honey (the farmer said he was going to collect some in June), and various other veggies and fruits (blackberries were one of my favorites last year- maybe in a few years I'll have my own from my new bushes!). 

I couldn't stop there, so Henry & I also went to the strawberry patch to get some of the first berries of the season.  Yum!!! 

It seems like just yesterday these were my strawberry pickers:

 

Look how little they were!  They were just a mere 16 months old or so there!  Oh my goodness how time flies!!! 

 

Swimming!!!

It's swim season again!  Tonight was our first night back at the Y.  The kids had splash day at school yesterday, so they kept asking if we could go to the Y. 
It was nice to get back in the pool and into the swing of swimming!  We sadly found out that our wonderful teacher is not at the Y anymore, so we are going to be "breaking in" a new instructor!  Actually she is very experienced and really sweet, just new to us!  We talked and hope to start lessons back soon, as Emilynn is anxious to start again. 
Carson was upset that he didn't have a yellow neck band, so I told him he had to work hard to get one.  We'll see.  I don't think anything will override his fear of water.  He did go under a little tonight, and wanted his yellow band for it!  :-)  Silly boy. 
Henry did really well too.  Except for drinking too much water!  He didn't mean to, and it choked him a bunch.  He was more cautious than last year, which is understandable since he fell in my sister's pool last year.  I think he will turn back into a water baby though. 
Anyway, the school countdown is on, and swimming is in.....feels like summer-don't you think???  :-) 

Let's Stop Comparing Ourselves to Other Moms

Okay, so does anyone else follow the Royal family?  I think they are precious and like to keep up with them. 
As I was reading on one of my favorite blogs last night (www.moneysavingmom.com), she had a post about how we should stop comparing ourselves to Duchess Kate.  It really made me think because without even thinking, I had done just that!  When I first saw the pics of the family leaving the hospital, I was of course drawn to them.  Then I honed in on one thing, her high heeled shoes.  Oh my!  I just kept staring at them. 
I don't know about any other moms out there, but I was NOT in a state to wear heels 12 hours after giving birth.  Actually, when I had the twins my feet were so swollen they looked like they would pop if you touched them with a pin.  Four days after the delivery, we were heading home.  Thankfully there were no photographers to document that occasion, because my feet were too big for shoes.  I left the hospital in December with snow on the ground wearing the yellow socks they give you with grippers on them.  They got wet as I got in the car and I rode the rest of the way barefoot.  My dear husband had gone to Walmart and bought two giant pair of men's shoes for me to try to wear home, to no avail.  There was no way my foot was going in them! 
Anyway, my point is that I, and I'm sure many other moms out there, did NOT look like the Duchess when we left the hospital.  But does it really matter?  Nope, I realized that honestly, it doesn't! 
It's funny how we compare ourselves to others, when in reality, Duchess Kate probably would have preferred to don her sweats, slipper socks (although even I admit shoes would have been a nice addition to my leaving hospital attire), and a ponytail. 
So instead of comparing ourselves to others, we should just be happy for them in their situation, and be content in our situation as well. 
We are enough!  Sweats, no shoes, and all!  :-) 

Sunday Scripture

This passage is painted above the altar at church in huge letters-and is the motto at our church....

"Those who honor me....I will honor."  ~1 Samuel 2:30

Do you honor him? 

Teacher Appreciation Week

Don't forget teachers next week!  They are so important to our children's future!  It's teacher appreciation week all week.  I plan to surprise the twins' teacher with a few little treats next week.  I am sure pinterest has lots of fun ideas!  I hope to do some chocolates, a note of appreciation, maybe a gift card, maybe some 31 stuff....who knows. 
I have surprised her all year with things because I know her job is tough!  Seven 4 year olds is not for the faint of heart.  Some things we've done all year so you have ideas are:

• Her favorite candy bar- I did this a lot.  Just when I thought she needed a pick-me-up.
• Her favorite McDonald's drink
• a Starbucks gift card
• a basket of green treats for St. Patrick's Day
• colorful dry erase markers for the classroom (something she mentioned in passing, she was surprised I remembered!)
• 31 pen holder with her name on it (the oh-snap bins are what I mean)
• 31 utility tote
• Hallmark ornament
• nice hand lotion
• warm muffins for breakfast
• a vacuum for the classroom (another something mentioned in passing)

You get the idea.  Just some things to help out because teachers spend SO much money of their own on their classes. 

You may be wondering how I knew some of her favorites.  Well, I sent in a little questionnaire I found online at the beginning of school.  It has helped so much!  I will try to post it before the next school year starts.

Also, her birthday is the last week of school, so I hope to do cupcakes or something for that as a surprise. 

It's fun to treat people who mean so much!  We have had an awesome year with Mrs. S! 

We also treated those teachers who are forgotten at Christmas- the librarian, music, religion, and computer teachers. 

I kept meaning to send something for the sweet office ladies who help me so much but it hasn't happened.  Maybe next year when I see them daily I will do better! 

Also, I didn't spend a ton of money on stuff.  Some 31 things I earned free with parties, found the little stick vacuum on a great sale, etc. 

I think teachers just appreciate you remembering them! 

May To-Do List

I love lists.  I always have a daily to-do list, weekly, monthly, and yearly goals lists.  I know...I'm weird like that!  The problem is if I don't, I will forget stuff.  I'm sure it's mommy-brain and not my age, ahem.  Here's what I hope to get done in May: 

• field trip to zoo with twins
• make a summer "bucket list" with kids of stuff we want to do, since we are "staycationing" this year
• clean out my storage shed- ahhh....a huge one.  It's got to get done for several reasons.  First of all, my sister and I are having a yard sale June 6.  Secondly, it just needs it and I have WAY too much stuff.  Thirdly, I need to make space for some furniture from our bedroom that I'm moving out.  (We are re-doing our room, slowly but surely.  The first step is moving out the furniture as it's too cluttered.  I want to simplify!)  I have started cleaning the shed, and hope to work on it every day!
• Blog every day. 
• Go to a minor league baseball game with the twins
• Go see my nephew, Hunter play baseball, and go see my niece and nephew, Morgan & Dylan play tee-ball
• make a birthday cake for my nephew, Landon
• have a few date nights with Dustin (we have one tomorrow for a wedding we are going to)
• make it to church every Sunday, even when Dustin is on call and I have all 3 kids by myself!  I know this sounds silly to some, but I have Henry who cries when I leave him at church and it just gets crazy and stressful and hard to handle alone.  Don't judge!  :-) 
• Keep the laundry and dishes caught up-another HUGE one!  We'll see how this goes. 
• Do something special for the twins' teacher for her birthday :-) 
• Plant all of our garden
• pick strawberries with the kids- and freeze plenty/make jam to last the upcoming year. 

I think that is all I have planned for May so far.  I'm sure other stuff will pop up!