22 Preschoolers

Brayden turned 5 last month. It is hard to believe that the time has gone by so fast. I decided, maybe because he's my firstborn and I didn't know any better, to have a big party including Brayden's preschool class. Evidently we chose a very convenient time because everyone could make it! Every time I checked on the Evite invitation, more "yes" responses. I did a quick math count in my head. 22 preschoolers

22 preschoolers and their parents. Where am I going to put them all? Norm and I have a bad habit of putting on big parties. I get stressed out and swear I will never do it again but I guess my memory dulls and the idea of having fun with a lot of people prompts me write a new Evite.

So, days before the party, I am running around collecting party favors and presents. Brayden is into Superheroes so we had Batman, Spiderman, and Superman themed party decorations. I made Batman cupcakes. Thanks to the party store sales lady! She gave me great ideas. It all started coming together except for the black icing. Brayden wanted black icing on his Batman cupcakes. I can't bake to save my life and I had no idea how to make black icing. I gave up and hoped the Batman insignia ring stuck into the cupcakes would distract him.

The day finally came. I think that is has rained on every April 2 in the last 4 years including the day Brayden was born so I expected the same on this day. Instead, we had record setting warmth and sun. What a gift! The kids came, some decked out in their own Superhero costumes, all ready for some fun. They ate, they "fought crime", and they had a blast running a playing in the yard. What a fantastic day for us all!

We will remember Brayden's 5th birthday just because it was his birthday and he's our kid but I will also remember it because God gave me an extra gift of a sunny day and a reminder that we are blessed with so many friends with which to celebrate life.

Happy Earth Day

I have been thinking about "green living" a lot since it is such a hot topic these days. Slowly, I have begun to educate myself about what it means to me and my family to choose good products and reduce the amount of chemicals we put into our bodies and into the earth.

What I can't figure out is who is just trying to market their products and who is really providing true "green" products. Today, I found out that one of the products I am using is really not so "green" It still contains some chemical ingredients that I didn't realize were also unhealthy. Arrgghh! This makes me really frustrated. I have a background in chemistry and I am still struggling with all of these compounds! I guess it isn't so easy as to go to the store and pick up a product that says "natural" or "organic" and be able to believe what is being marketed to me. I guess it is going to be a longer process than I had hoped.

Anyway, I am planting some irises tomorrow in honor of Earth Day. (It rained a lot today) So Happy Earth Day.

Kleptomaniac or shoplifter???

My daughter loves her purses. Like most women, she uses one for awhile and then she will change to a new or different one. She takes her purse almost everywhere we go and I have begun to notice that she will pick up small things along the way and stash them in her bag. I have not thought much of it since she is two and a half but I have lost a few things and ultimately found them in one of Sophia's purses. My five year old son has also found his poor Batman stashed in a glittery bag and we are beginning to wonder if this is a sign of things to come. I am sure that it is a developmental phase and that she is just enjoying having things to carry around like Mom. Only time will tell if she becomes a kleptomanic or a shoplifter but I tend to think she is just enjoying being a girl.

Blogging is hard!

Okay, so I am a little challenged when it comes to blogging but I am not going to let technology get away from me.

I am inspired by friends who blog so I am going to make more of an effort!

Today I am thankful. I am thankful for my family, our health, and good friends. I have recently been reminded of all of that due to cirumstances that have arisen in the lives of some close friends. I am focusing on appreciating every day and trying to take opportunities to make memories of the moments I have right now.

I could write a lot more but I want to spend time with my daughter. She won't be 2 much longer!

As I begin a new year, I am venturing out into the world of blogging. I never thought that I would even try but I have read many other posts and have felt inspired and entertained. I just have many thoughts rolling around in my brain and I wanted a place to muse over them.

I just returned from a trip to Kentucky. I don't go for the weather but it was cold! It was good to see family although we all came down with a horrific stomach virus that the kids are still battling. I wanted to lose a little weight this year but not quite like this. Anyway, my January trip signifies a time to relax, recharge and think about reorganizing life to begin a new year.

I try not to hold myself to resolutions that I will break but to try to envision my life the way I would like it to be and set goals to move myself in that direction.

The two biggest things that stand out for me right now is that I want to carve out more time to do the things that I want to do and not the things that just fall into my lap. I work evenings and I only have few to myself. I don't want to fill them up with meetings and activities that don't give me good time with my family or for myself. The other thing I want to do is become move active and healthy. I want to keep up with my 4 year old.

That is probably enough to keep me busy for this year. I will add things if I need a challenge.
Happy New Year...