Beth's Biography Project

Beth had to read a biography this month and then create the person using an oatmeal container. As a teacher, this sounds like great fun. As a parent, not so much! Here she is with her (our) rendition of Eleanor Roosevelt. She was happy with the results - and I'm glad that Eleanor won't be sitting on our kitchen counter any longer!

Ready, Set, GROW!

Our baby apricot tree has some apricots on it - we're so excited!!

And our garden is starting to grow. Our sugar snap peas are coming up, as are our carrots and radishes. The kids are anxious for the strawberries to grow and ripen! This is such a fun time of year!

A Wish Come True

When Beth arrived at school last Monday morning and announced, "My wish came true!", her teacher immediately knew that we had a dog. She has been wishing for one for so long now - and loves snuggling with Spinner on the couch. Aside from having poor leash etiquette and a tendency to bark at the neighborhood dogs, Spinner is a very good dog. We are really enjoying him!

Spring Rain

There is just something so refreshing about spring rain!

Introducing...Spinner!

Earlier this week, we received an email from our sister-in-law about a dog who needed a good home. Since we have been talking about getting a dog for quite some time, we decided to give it a try. We met Spinner at Ryan and Angie's house on Friday night (they were planning to dog-sit this weekend), and brought him home with us. It has been so much fun watching the kids interact with Spinner. He was named appropriately - he spins around often! It's hilarious! Spinner is adjusting well to his new home, although I think the kids wear him out. Everytime I turn around, Allie asks to take him for a walk! Now, if you know Allie, you know that she has always been very nervous and hesitant around dogs. She has fallen in love with Spinner - I honestly think she is the most excited of all of our kids! Right now, anything that Spinner does is cause for excitement. This morning, as we laid in bed, Phil and I heard Nathan exclaim, "Aww! He's looking at me!" It doesn't take too much to impress them at this point. =)

Favorite GEM Night

On Wednesday, Beth and I enjoyed dinner and tropical fun at Favorite GEM Night. The GEMs invited their moms or grandmas to join them for dinner, crafts and games. I am happy to report that I surprised Beth (and myself!) by actually hula hooping! It's been a very long time since I have done that successfully! It was a treat to spend some special time with Beth.

So Happy Together

It always makes my heart smile when I see our kids playing together. Today, watching Allie and Nathan brought such joy. They played catch for awhile, then Allie pushed Nathan on the swing. She was so attentive to him. Every now and then, she'd give him a hug and announce, "I love you, Nathan!" And he'd squeeze her right back and say, "I love you, too!" As a mom, there is nothing more satisfying than that!

Pioneer Day

Yesterday the third graders had their annual "Pioneer Day" at school. Beth was so excited! Thankfully, we were able to borrow a dress and sunbonnet from another teacher at school. (Now I just hope it's still available in two years for our Allie to wear!). The pioneers walked for "miles" through the plains, and followed a guide through the Rocky Mountains. They also ate flapjacks and made quilt squares. It was fun to be out on recess duty and see all of the kids dressed up for Pioneer Day!

ready to go

Beth and Tiffnee

Beth and Sadie

Allie's Pajama Day

Last week, the first grade classes celebrated March Madness with different activities each afternoon. It culminated on Friday with pajama day! Now, I don't know about you, but wearing my pajamas out in public all day isn't high on my list of favorite things to do! But when you're six years old, it's pretty special! Allie was thrilled to wear her pajamas to school - and doesn't she look cute?

( An alternate title for this post could be "What Has Happened to my Baby Girl?" As I looked at this picture, I was suddenly amazed at how big Allie is getting. She is looking so grown-up all of a sudden. She keeps getting more and more precious, doesn't she? But there is a part of me that mourns how quickly time passes. Why do they have to grow up so fast?)

Full Bloom

During this time of year, I love walking around the yard and admiring the signs of spring. What fun to see our bulbs coming up and blooming - and to see other flowers in full bloom! The weather was so lovely today. The kids played outside and I worked in the yard for a bit. What could be better?