Nothing New

Okay...maybe our lives are a little boring lately because there is really nothing new to report! 

Allie is beginning to get her two front teeth and I am hoping they are all the way in by her first communion. It looks like the kids are going to end up with my "unlucky genes" in the mouth department. I had 13 teeth pulled as a kid due to overcrowding or what I like to call shark teeth. I would get my permanent teeth before my baby teeth were out.  This led to braces and head gears & all the crazy orthodontia stuff. 

They say you need to do something for 8 weeks for it to become a habit - how come Peter & Allie have been brushing their teeth for almost 10 & 8 years respectively  & I still need to ask the question every morning & night "Did you brush your teeth.  They usually say yes and then when I ask to see them, they say - okay I will do it again. 

Peter made the decision this year NOT to play baseball.  I was shocked because he loves baseball but secretly, I was thrilled because that means more family time, more pool time, less dusty ball field in 90 degree weather time.  He said he had to miss too much soccer last year because of baseball and soccer is his true love! They both might give swim team a shot this summer.....we'll see. 

Speaking of summer - I can't wait. I am pretty much done with winter (although I am sure winter is not done with me yet)! I am ready to get outside again.  I am going on a scrapbooking weekend Friday & I am so excited. I have all of 2008 to do - I am hoping to get at least 6 months of the year done. Wishful thinking maybe........

Our Many Blessings

Wow - What a weekend!

I was at a CEW weekend retreat (Christian Experience Weekend) this weekend and feel completely rejuvenated spiritually.  Frank & I have been involved with the CEW community since moving here and this was honestly, the best one I have been on.  Frank's parents came in on Thursday so I could get a chance to spend some time with them before I had to leave Friday. The kids had an absolute BLAST with Grandma & Papa. Frank was down at church a lot doing behind-the-scenes stuff  - By having his folks in town it allowed him the freedom to come & go without worrying about a sitter. 

It has always been so hard not living close to family. When we were in Michigan, we had Frank's parents 30 minutes away but mine were 4 hours. Now they are both about 8 hours away. We cherish all the time we can get with family. 

I know how BLESSED I am that I have always stayed home with my kids. I know not everyone can afford to do this. Believe me, with Frank's current job and "buying his territory" - it hasn't been easy financially.  I see the joy on my kids faces getting them off to school in the morning and being home every day when they get off the bus.  They especially love it on Tuesdays & Thursdays when I pick them up from school (I would do it everyday but gas is so darn expensive). I have the luxury of volunteering several days a week in the school where I still get hugs & kisses from them (even in front of their friends). 

Seeing the kids reactions when Grandma & Papa had to leave was heart-wrenching.  Peter began sobbing the night before saying, "can't they stay?"  Then he asked "can we go with them?" Grandma was crying, I was crying, Peter was crying...it was a cry-baby fest!!!

I talked to Peter that day and explained how proud I am that he has the same value on family that I have always had.  We have always cherished family vacations and time with family. Family is so important - whether it is extended family or immediate family, it is treasured.  So this weekend allowed a lot of time for me to pray and count the blessings I have. My true blessings are my family. No amount of money or status could or would ever take the place of time with them.

So love to all my family reading this. See you all soon - God Bless.

The Tooth Fairy

After a crazy weekend of trivia night and a Super Bowl party, we got back into the routine of a normal week! 

Well, sort-of normal....Allie had a tooth hanging by a thread on Monday night so Tuesday morning when she woke up, she yanked it out (it was so loose....no blood).  Well the tooth fairy came last night but in the meantime, the tooth next to the one she lost, was now hanging sideways! So...realizing how nice it is to receive money, she yanked that one out THIS morning! So - the tooth fairy should come again tonight! Allie's only request - she wishes the tooth fairy gave dollar bills instead of change.  Yeah - I bet the tooth fairy wishes ATM's gave things other than 20's.