Gratitude Friday

Today I am grateful for...

~getting out early and a 3-day weekend
~looking forward to looking at granite countertops tomorrow
~the ability to make boo-boos better
~the little pretend puppy with very long hair snuggling with me this morning
~listening to the kids sound out words, so exciting
~the unexpected "I love yous"
~my mom having a good day yesterday

Gratitude Friday

Today I am grateful for...

~Lil' Mark feeling better
~Mom getting through surgery (#3 in 4 weeks)
~the NICU event that we will be attending on Sunday
~starting to tackle the kitchen cabinets and feeling motivated to finish it
~picking and planting flowers with my children on Saturday
~Mark wanting to dress like his father
~Maria making lunches with me

High Tea ~ May 6

Maria had placed the high tea on her calendar a few weeks back. Every few days she would point to the day and giggle with delight. "This is the special girl place we're going to."

Sweetie, I'm so happy that I have you to share these times with.

She couldn't go without her lip gloss.

It's not easy taking your own picture, but I have to say this one came out great.

Miss Maria having tea with Miss Olivia

Her Daddy would be proud!

March, March, March ~ April 29

Here's to our 5th year participating in the March of Dimes.

We had a blast. The pictures tell all. Thanks again St. Peter's and for organizations like the March of Dimes. We have our living angels to prove their worth.



Here they are with Blue.

These baby footsteps were markers for the walkers. The kids were convinced that it was Blue's paw prints. They tried to find every set as we walked.

5 going on 15

Unexpected behavior has blossomed since Sunday. Miss Maria thinks that she can get what she wants when she wants it and sports the attitude and tone of just that. Where this came from out of the blue, I haven't a clue. Hopefully this is just a phase and some tough love will help guide her through it.

Sunday we were in the shoe section of a store. She tried on some cute boots and told me she wanted me to buy them for her. I explained that we tried them on for fun and that I was not buying them for her. With arms crossed, she kicked off the boots and sat cross legged on the bench. "Well, I am not leaving until you buy me the boots." I didn't get mad. I was actually too shocked from hearing what I just heard. She sat there for a while. A phone call interrupted the show down and suddenly the boots were forgotten. (she was told to pick up the boots and a time out was waiting for her when we got home)

Last night she was getting so worked up over everything and yelling at everyone. She got a time out (honestly,  can't remember why) but afterwards she started to talk about Mark and said she can't say what she wanted to b/c I would cry. I told her she could tell me anything. Finally, she blurted out, "I don't love Mark." Well, I did want to cry but didn't have to b/c she burst into tears. I let her have her cry and then asked why. She said that he gets her angry sometimes and that she doesn't love him b/c of that. I asked her when she's not angry does she love him. She said yes. A sigh of relief came over me and I had to explain the concept of anger and being upset, that no matter what, we still love each other. She understood, but was a little confused b/c she thinks of anger as the faucet to turning love on and off. (We) emphasized that no matter how upset we get, we always love one another.

She did get one more time out for saying..."you're not the boss" to me which I have heard her teacher say.

I swear, PMS has begun already. Angels above, please protect me and keep me sane when it actually happens.

Maria, my sweet girl, I love you!

The things you say...

While in church, Maria whispers, "Are you going to get the God chip?"

While doing my make up Sunday morning, Maria asked why I do it every day. I told her when you get older, ladies like to wear make up to make them feel prettier. Maria replies, "But Mommy, you don't have to wear make up b/c you are beautiful already." All I could do is squeeze her.

Gratitude Friday (a little early)

Today I am grateful for...


having a huge work deadline behind me
looking forward to high tea with my daughter
looking forward to the strawberry festival
watching Maria dance her heart out while I made lunches
the cute little nuzzle Maria gives me to wake me up each morning
my husband for putting up with me for the past nine years (happy anniversary hon!)
having the day off tomorrow :o)