How high can you go?

late is better than never...

We had a great Mother's Day.  

Mike was Super Husband and pampered me all weekend.... so much so that he said he may need a second weekend after the weekend.  A mother's work is never done.  It was a really relaxing weekend for me.  On Sunday, the Andrews came to hang with us for the afternoon.  Mike and Tim fixed a delicious lunch for us. 

The kids took turns on the swing after lunch.

 Four Boys

 How high can you go, Peter?!

 So high your feet are touching the Sun!

 Luke gives it a whirl.

 And the ever-happy Isaac missed the excitement this year, but he'll surely be in the mix soon!

Thanks, Andrews.  We had FUN!

last morning

Its my last preschool morning of the year with only this little girl.  Next year she will go two of the three mornings that Peter goes.  But this year, I've had her to myself three mornings.  Oh, I can hardly stand it.  It has been a JOY.  I can't even express how delightful this child is.  And how I thoroughly enjoy my mornings with her (especially the ones that we don't run around getting things done).  There is something kindred about her that helps my soul.  I think I'll go stare at her and soak her up for the next hour til preschool pick up.

Last Day of Wellspring

The kids did a presentation for us using "the gospel hand"... so cute!

Stumped

This one... will he always stump me?

I love him to death.  He has such a place in my heart.  

The one who made me a mom, who stole my heart.

The one who I'll go thru all FIRSTS with.  I often feel as clueless as he is about what all that entails.

I love him for his hard work.  He has to work hard for things... so I have to work hard for things.

He has such a great attitude about the big things... going to his "work", all of the many "Ms. ___" that he's met along the way (Mrs. K, Mrs. G, Miss Erin, Mrs Aileen, Miss Alaina, Ms Sally and our truest love, Cha-Cha).

But the little things.  Its the little things that kill me.  The complaining and crying.  The groans when he doesn't want to obey.  The 5:30-5:45 wake ups every.single.morning.  Lord, please use this for your glory.  (Would he learn to love to read his Bible, or do something wonderful with that time that grows his heart for YOU & the things You are about...)  Because we still haven't worked that one out yet.  I've have been praying, praying for a better attitude about that.  Mostly, that realization arrives after my utter frustration skyrockets with his daily early morning disruptions.  

And how much to share on all of the forms (today's project).  

And the uncertainty I always feel about knowing how much of him is normal boy and what I should be concerned about.  

You hem me in behind and before,
    and you lay your hand upon me.

Where can I go from your Spirit?
    Where can I flee from your presence?
 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
    if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
    if I settle on the far side of the sea,
 even there your hand will guide me,
    your right hand will hold me fast.
 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
    and the light become night around me,”
 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
    the night will shine like the day,
    for darkness is as light to you.

For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
 I praise you^(T) because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful,
    I know that full well.
 My frame was not hidden from you
    when I was made in the secret place,
    when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

from Psalm 139

a wasted 1/2 week?

Its been a bummer kinda week.  My stomach has been off.  I love May.  Its the start of the best time of the year.  But I was just able to 'get through' Monday and Tuesday and didn't eat a thing til I had some rice at dinner on Tues.  (And I like to eat so that's no easy feat for me!)  I was so bummed to feel like I was "wasting" two days.  Today was my recovery day.  I felt better but I was overwhelmed with all I hadn't done for two days.  And the start of today... my little man is very fascinated (I'm assuming) with the liberties that come with a "hose", so he thought it would be interesting to empty his on the floor this morning at 6am (after Mike had already left for work).  He aimed it at Lily's skirt that was on the floor in the upstairs hall.  That didn't start our day well or help my attitude that was already lacking after the past two days.  I lounged around this afternoon but then finally got over myself this eve.  The kids did play doh while I tried to quick, do a few things to win back ground in our house.  And that did, by the grace of God, make up for lost time in my mind.

Peter was quite pleased with his diamond making skills!  He made about 15 at last count.

 Of course, he wanted to make funny faces when he saw I had the camera.

 And two sweet pics from our drive home from the river.  Working on the mini coloring sheets that Maw gave them.  Its still not old to see Peter enjoy fine motor activities.

Here's to making the most of the rest of the week!

Kathy is getting the kids tomorrow afternoon so I can get a haircut.  That's sure to help!... its nice to be able to be more fully with them after a little break.  :)

WHOA, Ray!

Paw can hardly wait for me to post this one!

There was a BIG bite at the river yesterday!

What is it?!  It took about 20 minutes and both men to get it in.

Whoa, it broke the net.

First Look... its a CowNose Ray.  It was HUGE!

Well, Hi, Mr. Ray.

This is when I started saying, "We need Holly!  We need Alvin!"  It was just so exciting.  

No one had a cell phone so Peter pulled out his pretend phone and started telling Holly all about it.

Daddy was pretty excited!

At this point, the net was completely broken but he kept saying that he'd love to beak a net every time he fishes for something this exciting.  Everyone on shore watches.

Of course, he examines it from head to toe.

Kinda gross... checking out its mouth.  

It eats oysters.  

So "they" don't want you to throw it back.

The P fam went for a ride while Paw tended to the ray.

Then it was time to taste a ray.  You bet they ate it!!.  

Groomed!

It was hair cut weekend at the river.  

Paw, Mike, Peter, Emily.

Peter got the clippers for the first.time.ever.  

I'm only slightly attached to my boy's long hair.  As is he.

But its nearly summertime.

Lily worked on Mike's hair.

 Glenda was there!  Love her smile.

 I bet your beautician doesn't dress so beautifully.

 Emily was my final victim. ;)