Spring is in the air

Everywhere I look, I see signs that Spring has come.



Daffodils are blooming





Buds are poking through



Right there, do you see it?



The weather is perfect - sunshine, rain, a thunderstorm or two, breezy - perfect weather for getting outside and getting motivated. Spring has Sprung!

A letter to my children

Dear Kate & Brett -

I hope that as you grow up, Daddy and I do a good enough job of teaching how you should treat other people. All people - not just the ones that are like you, that agree with you, that don't challenge your ideas. Our country seems so full of anger and hatred right now. I'm not sure when it became okay to threaten people because you disagree with them. When it became okay for leaders and people who want to be leaders to suggest, recommend or condone violence toward our fellow citizens. I was not around during the civil rights movement. I didn't experience first hand how cruel people could be toward each other because of the color of their skin. I really thought maybe our world had moved past that. I watch you as you make new friends and see that you don't see a difference. I'm so glad for that. I hope that our world is not turning back and becoming that horrible place that it once was. I don't want to have to fear for my life or the safety of my family because I say something that others disagree with. I am scared of this world we are in right now. I've never understood using violence because of ignorance, especially when someone says they are "god-fearing Christians". I hate that someone would use Christ in that way. All the reasons Daddy rejects church.

Hopefully, we walk the walk as well as talk the talk of being tolerant and respectful of others and their opinions. I hope someone will step forward and be a true leader and stop all of this hatred. I hope and I pray.

Love, Mom

sunshine?

I'm afraid to get too excited, but we have had sunshine for 2 days in a row. Two whole days! Starting to get a little too excited. When I get too excited, the clouds get jealous and want to come out. I'm not going to say it too loud, but I think they are even calling for more tomorrow. Shhh, keep it to yourself. Don't let the clouds hear.

It's my Birthday!!

I came home this morning from work to fast feet running down the stairs to tell me to stay out of the kitchen - there were surprises in there for me! Then lots of hugs and kisses and Happy Birthdays. My parents even happened to be in town for a concert & to wish me a Happy Birthday. I was then led upstairs by Brett to see my other birthday surprises - giant cards!







Even a Happy Birthday banner over the bed!



I got to take a big nap (since I'd just worked & had to go back). When I woke up there was a note to call the house phone before I "got up". Pretty soon there were footsteps coming up the stairs to wake me up and serve me breakfast in bed! How could I have known my husband for over 20 years and not known he makes the worlds best french toast?! It was the most delicious I've ever had!

I was led back downstairs to see the other surprises they'd made for me - stepping stones. I love stepping stones and have been wanting to make some with their hand prints for my garden. What a great gift!



Then it was time for birthday cake and ice cream and singing. Brett really wanted to take my picture with my cake (someone must have just gone through this whole bday thing!) but I said no - I'd just woken up for goodness sake! Isn't it just the cutest cake?



We packed a whole day of birthday fun into about 2 hours. Thanks sweet family - you made my day!

He's Four!

Once upon a time there was a beautiful baby boy. He started growing and growing and growing way too fast. One day his Mommy turned around and he wasn't a baby anymore. He was walking and talking and running way too fast. Next thing she knew, he wasn't a toddler anymore. He was climbing and playing and learning way too fast. She turned around again and he was four! Four?! That is a big boy! Almost time to go to school! "Wait a minute", she thought, she said, she shouted! Slow DOWN - Please! I'm not ready for you to grow up. I need you to stay little, just a little bit longer. I need to savor your sweet, sweet kisses. I need to snuggle you a little more, a little longer, a little tighter because I know that the next time I turn around you are going to be all grown up. Happy Birthday my sweet, sweet boy. Your Mommy loves you very much!

My Valentine

My funny Valentine...You make me laugh with your funny songs and stories and little girl giggles.

My silly Valentine...You make me smile with your goofiness and crazy seven year old smile.

My sensitive Valentine...You make my heart break when your feelings are so easily hurt.

My sweet Valentine...You make my heart swell when you realize someone else is hurting and you try your best to comfort and heal.

My clever Valentine...You amaze me with your knowledge and skill of things I've never even taught you.

My brainy Valentine...You make me so proud of how hard you've worked to improve your reading and math.

My beautiful Valentine...You were the best Valentine gift I've ever received. You were the most beautiful baby I'd ever seen. You are beautiful inside and out and I love you more than you will ever know.



Happy 7th Birthday my Valentine - I Love you -- Love, Mommy

It's been busy around here

Since my last post, it's been a little crazy at the White House. My father-in-law had triple bypass surgery and is recovering well. We took a group of city friends back to Marceline to rock out with Deepwood. (I'll have to make another post for just that - what a blast!) I went to a beautiful wedding of a beautiful couple with a bunch of crazy fun girls from work. I started back to clinical instructing with a Med/Surg location - yikes! and 4th semester students that are awesome and going to make the best nurses. And now I'm in one of the busiest weeks of my year - right up there with Christmas & Halloween - BIRTHDAY WEEK! It's really Birthday month, but this is the busiest time. Tomorrow is Valentine Party at school (which I am the head room parent for the 1st grade - yes, all 3 classes). Tomorrow night is Katelyn's sleepover birthday party. Saturday is Monster Truck Jam. Sunday is Brett's party (on Kate's actual bday). Monday is Brett's actual day and Teacher Appreciation Lunch at school (which again have to assist with). Tuesday & Wednesday, clinical again and then finally a day off next Thursday. Then my own birthday on Saturday night. Whew! Aren't you exhausted just reading that? I am! Wish me luck and maybe I'll squeeze in a little time to post some pictures and notes of all the fun I am having!! Happy Valentine's Day!