House Pic for You Kate

More to come soon...just busy!

Tulip Festival

Jayden and I went to the Tulip Festival on April 30th.  It is truly breathtaking...and this coming from not much of a flowery girl.  I got her this tulip dress 2 years ago and it still fits.  Perfect for the occasion!

Zoo

Jake, Jayden and I went to the zoo on a beautiful spring-like Sunday in May.   So did the rest of the world...  But despite the traffic and hassle of getting there, we had a fun time together.  They had a new dinosaur exhibit that Jake wanted to see.  Jayden likes bringing her camera and taking pix of the animals.  We stopped at our favorite burger place nearby the zoo before entering and also got ice cream at the nearby 7-11 on the way home.

Mother's Day 2011

This year Mother's Day was pretty uneventful... but I was just grateful to have my kids with me.  I am sure that is something most moms take for granted, but for me, every day I get to spend with them is a blessing.  I hesitate to sound like the optimist I once was, but I guess  I'd say that is one 'good' thing about my situation...that I don't take time with my kids for granted and I try to cherish every minute.

Anyway, we had lunch at Applebees and then went to Costco and a few other stores.  The boys made tacos for dinner and decorated the table for me.  Very sweet...and the food was great!

I told Jonathan that now that I know he can do tacos so well, we should start having "Taco Tuesdays" at our house.  He just sighed and said, "Mom, it took me like an hour to do do this.  You have no idea how long it takes."  (or something like that).  Of course I got a laugh out of this because, well...  you know...!

 Jake made me another bulap creation...much improved over last years mystery-burlap picture.  Jayden made a recipee book in her kindergarten class, and Jonathan got me a plastic frog that wiggles in the daylight.  Hmmm... I guess he thought I might want one of those?!!  Well it's definitely the thought that counts!  They all gave me (thanks to my mom) some more dishes and ice cream bowls to match my new dishes and also a nice card (my favorite).   Then Jake gave me a foot massage while we all watched Hotel for Dogs together on my big bed.

 I love my kids so much and can't imagine my life w/o them.  I am also so incredibly grateful for my own mom for ALL she does for me and for loving me even when I haven't felt all that lovable the last few years.

Jayden's Ballet Recital

Jayden's ballet recitals were on Saturday, May 8th.  The show was called "Alice In Danceland" this year and she was a flower.  Needless to say, the girls were all adorable!  I didn't take pix of their dance (lighting too dark), but the youngest groups were my favorite.  You just laugh out loud when they perform.  She had 2 shows this year...one at 2pm and the other at 6pm.  It was a looong day, but she enjoyed it, and I love that she is getting some experience performing in front of people.

The Beginning of Our New House

My family in front of our "castle"!

I think Jake was the most excited... or at least the most expressive!  Watching the kids' excitement was a sight I will never forget!  We went through SO much to get to this point... which makes it even more meaningful and special for us!

me and my sweet girl!

Jonathan on the tractor that was parked in the yard.

This was the first time the kids got to see the "house" since before it was demolished.  They were SO excited!  I have been enjoying driving by each evening and seeing the progress that's been made!  I also have just picked out all my colors for countertops, cabinets, flooring, tile, etc.  It is a dream come true for sure!

My "House"

ta-dah!  can you tell how happy i am?

the foundation

inside the foundation.  i was surprised by the sand!

jumping into my sandbox!  there was glass everywhere and i was in flip flops so had to be careful!

the view

On August 2nd, my house was demolished!  I was out of town in the Smoky mountains in NC and missed the event by 4 days, but some friends took pictures for me so I could enjoy watching the old dump be destroyed!  Here are some pictures of what it looks like now.  My friend and I went up to see it after I returned.  It looks smaller than what I'd thought (the foundation that is) and almost looks like a gigantic sandbox, but it is sooooo exciting nevertheless!  Construction on the new house will begin on Monday!  It will take 3 months and should be such fun to watch!