Quiet House tonight...

The kids are spending the night with my parents tonight...they have been great to watch them as I complete my teacher workdays! So-- I get a little time to write before bed.
I am excited about summer- there are a lot of little projects I want to get done around the house. My type A personality has found it very hard to come home and see things that need to be done and just not be able to do them...I know that in the scheme of things these little jobs do not matter at all, but I'm excited that I can (hopefully) begin checking things off my "to do" list!
Another thing I am excited about is READING!! I have made time to read a few things while I've been working. One book I highly recommend is Heaven is For Real. I have to admit, I was a little skeptical at first about a little boy getting a glimpse of heaven, but WOW- I truly believe he really did. Just a wonderful read that gives a taste of what heaven is going to be like- and a reminder that "anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a child will never enter it." (Mark 10:15) Read it- you'll love it!!

Sarah Claire will be dancing this summer. She loves to dance and I hope she always does...

These are pictures of her recital this year. Her class was "Valentine's Day". I am glad that she loves it so much- maybe part of it is because she is able to see her friends. She also looks forward to the costume and the recital (and of course, the make-up)!

I plan on keeping Blaine active this summer which is not hard to do. He really loves being outside. The combination of being active and outside is probably why P.E. was his favorite subject this year. (Isn't it every 1st grade boys favorite?) Here are a few pictures of his field day which he LOVED...

And of course, I can't leave out Anna Britten (who will most likely be following in her brother's footsteps...)

Trying to catch up!

I feel like this post title is the story of my life...even though things around our house are CrAzY at times, I wouldn't trade it for the world! As I write this I am listening to Anna Britten talk and sing herself to sleep (the tunes Happy Birthday and Jingle Bells are coming out over the airways:)- she is becoming such the little girl.

Now to catch us up...
Mark and I celebrated our ten year anniversary the same day Sarah Claire turned five! He and I have been on a journey these years, that will be another blog another day.

We decided to take a trip to Destin over my Spring Break which was a couple of weeks after our anniversary. We stayed at a wonderful Bed and Breakfast in Destin called Henderson Park Inn. As much as I love my kids, it was great to get away for a couple of days.

We spent the days sleeping in, going to a delicious breakfast, bike riding, and then just relaxing on the beach..I actually read the Hunger Games series while there-almost three whole books! It was nice to just be together and have each other's undivided attention- much needed in our lives right now!
This year Blaine played peanut baseball. What an experience...it was a challenge for him and for Mark (who coached him). As I have said earlier, Blaine likes to know he is going to be able to do something before he jumps in. Well, this was a challenge and it was hard...for him and for us.

We struggled.. and then it clicked...he began connecting with the ball when he was a bat...he began understanding the rules. I was so proud of him- we still have things to learn and skills to practice. It was a good lesson about life- do not give up!

Blaine getting the game ball!

Bebe(Mark's Mom) and the kids after a game going to get flavored ice. That was always the highlight of the night!
Our Easter was full of sickness this year. All three came down with a fever virus around Easter and it was not fun. I think one of the most memorable moments of Easter this year was watching our church present "The Promise" to the community. It was amazing and really made me think about Jesus' life here on Earth- how selfless, full of unconditional love, and purpose driven He lived out His days. Just unfathonable to me...

Our church egg hunt- Anna Britten was home with a fever...

Egg hunt at Bebe's

Easter traditions- Bunny Cake and Eggs!

The girls' dresses were made by Mrs. Betty (Mark's mom).

These two are made out of the same mold!!

Beginning Again....

So I have tried to begin a blog- this is actually my third time to try- now that summer is beginning, I am determined to keep up with it! Since my last post in January, we have had many things take place! First of all, I became the "temporary" library media specialist at Silverhill School. It was a fun experience, but because of the closing of a school in the county, I will be going back part time. I do believe that God is all over this- I am actually excited about being able to be more involved with Blaine and Sarah Claire while they are at school! It will also give me more time with Anna Britten too. I may actually get some things done around the house!

In February, we took our second trip to Disney...

These two had no idea where we were going! Anna Britten traveled with my parents and sister and were a little ahead of us! We told them we were going to Birmingham!

We learned a few things about our children...

Anna Britten LOVES Ariel!!

Sarah Claire is our daredevil! She rode every ride she could and the faster it was the better! Here she is in line for Space Mountain!

Blaine doesn't do surprises! He was upset, no really the word was MAD that he ended up at Disney World and not in Birmingham. He did get over it, but it was touch and go for a few days!

Blaine turned 7 while we were there- I am glad he now looks back and says he had a fun birthday- I was a little worried about him being upset!Blaine at 7- I do believe he is the stereotypical first born. He loves to excel at whatever he does and has a hard time trying something new if he is not sure about it. He is READING tons, loves Math...he has made all A's his entire first grade year. He could spend hours with his legos and playing DS- He also loves art and is good at it. He is very schedule oriented and likes to know "the plans"...because Mark and I are also first borns, we are starting to realize we need to be careful to not put too much pressure on him- he puts enough on himself!

My brother came and surprised my parents!

It was a trip to remember.
February/March is Mardi Gras here in Fairhope. This year it was a little later because of Easter. It is always a good time- we love to go to the parades. The kids even have their own parade they are a part of...here are a few pics!

Sarah Claire turned 5 at the end of March...wow, how time does fly! She is such a blessing to me. I love her outlook on life and her sweet, tender heart.

Sarah Claire at 5...loves to paint, color, draw, play doh, going to Church- especially choir! Her friends are important to her- always wants to have a friend over or be with friends! Still loves to nap- in fact, needs a nap! Not much scares her- wants to try almost anything. Loves listening to books, but laid back about learning her letters! I do believe she knows them all- just isn't interested in telling me!

I also took on my first 10k- the Spring Fever Chase in March. It was hard, but I did it!! I still am hoping to run a 1/2 marathon this year...

to be continued...