The 2nd Grade Zoo Trip

Each year, Bloomfield Elementary takes their 2nd graders to the Indianapolis Zoo for an overnight trip.  The anticipation has been building all year and the day finally came!  Almost every student on the trip has a parent (or two) go with them.  It was great to spend one on one time with Ansley and get to know other kids and their parents better. 

We left the school at about 4:30 on Wednesday and had a full evening once we got there.  We learned about adaptations and all kinds of other things about the animals.  All of the animals had "gone to bed" by the time we got there.  They showed us the commissary where all of the animal food was kept, they even took us in the freezer.  The kids played a game about animals and had a snack.  The zoo staff is pretty strict and run a tight ship.  We slept in a carpeted room that is connected to the dolphin pavilion.  Everyone brings air mattresses and sleeping bags and set up.  Moms, Dads, boys, and girls all in the same room.  The kids didn't have much trouble sleeping, but most of the adults didn't sleep much.  Lights were out at 11pm and back on at 7am.  They served us a breakfast of eggs, french toast, muffins, and fruit.  After that, we were free to roam the zoo.  The kids had a great time!  The weather was perfect!  It was a great trip!

Amazing...me? Couldn't be.  Yep, I am!  And so are you!

Yesterday was a busy day!  I got a lot accomplished, despite the 8 kids that were here : ) So, while Ansley was at dance, I decided to give myself a break.  Normally, while she's at dance class, I go shopping or run errands, get groceries or buy birthday presents.  I decided all of that could wait this time and that I would read.  It was a beautiful day out, so I turned off my car and rolled down the windows while sitting in the studio parking lot.  
After the mom conference this year, I decided to work on this insecurity thing I deal with every day, always worrying what other people are thinking, feeling like I have to live up to perfect, self inflicted standards. One day on facebook (its funny how even God shows up on facebook), there was a free download for a book called A Confident Heart - how to stop doubting yourself and live in the security of God's promises.  Just what I needed! I downloaded it and started reading.  I cried through the first couple chapters.  It really was written for me.  I finished the book a few weeks ago - all 12 chapters!  I don't think I've read a chapter book since high school! It was a great book and I really am working on living with a confident heart.  So then I found this book, "You're Already Amazing" - Embracing who you are, becoming all God created you to be.  So why not keep reading and continue to work on this problem I have?  So, yesterday, during dance, I started reading.  Here's what I've learned already: I am a daughter of God, a holy princess, a woman created with strengths I've yet to fully grasp and a story that's still being written by the divine Author himself.  And if I really take hold of who I am and what I'm called to do, there will be no stopping me.  That's because there's no stopping Him in me - and He's got bigger plans for my life than I've imagined.  Who'da thought?!?  I'm looking forward to learning more!

Two days later, and I'm still amazed.  My sister and my girls sang at church on Sunday morning.  It. Was. Absolutely. Perfect.  I, truly am, still in awe.  Melodie had decided months ago that she was going to sing "Like My Mother Does" on this Mother's Day and wanted Ansley to sing with her.  Sadie practiced every time Ansley did, so she wanted to sing with them.  I really wasn't sure that Sadie would actually stand up there, but she did.  She held the microphone just right and sang EVERY word.  They all three did wonderful! The song was all the more special since our Mom and Grandma were there and since now Melodie is going to be a mom too. 

I never met a stranger
I can talk to anyone
Like my mother does
I let my temper fly
And she can walk away
When she's had enough

She sees everybody
For who they really are
I'm so thankful for her guidance
She helped me get this far

When I love I give it all I've got
Like my mother does
When I'm scared, I bow my head and pray
Like my mother does

When I feel weak and unpretty
I know I'm beautiful and strong
Because
I see myself like my mother does

She's a rock
She is grace
She's an angel
She's my heart and soul
She does it all

Being a mom is such a big, rewarding job.  I didn't just listen to my girls sing, I listened to the words.  I hope they will always look up to me, as I have always looked up to the women in my life. 

My 2012 Mother's Day was probably the best I've ever had.  The day was just perfect.  The gifts, the song, lunch, quiet time, all of it.  So blessed! <3

A Mother's Day hike...

On Saturday, we met with Jayme, Libby, Jon, Joni, AJ, and all the kids, at Spring Mill State Park.  We had a nice picnic lunch.  The kids played all along the creek, just wishing they would fall in.  It was a beautiful day! I love watching the kids play with their cousins.  It doesn't matter that they're not together all the time, they enjoy each other just the same.  The giggles, the imagination, and the exploring together is priceless. We walked through the old mill, church, leather shop, etc and later walked along the trails.  The kids were great and loved every minute of it.  I'm so thankful for each of them! 

 

Let's play ball!

On Friday morning we got a text message from Quentin's coach saying that in honor of Mother's Day weekend, we were going to play a moms vs boys game.  I had planned to be in Bloomington with Ansley, at dance, so I didn't think I could make it.  But, when Quentin heard about it, there was no getting out of it.  He was very insistent that I go!  I made arrangements to pick Ansley up a little early so I could make it.  Soooo much FUN!  Of course, I hadn't played baseball since a whiffle ball game at mom and dads a few years go, so I was a little nervous, but it all worked out. I'm pretty sure all of the other moms were seasoned softball players, but I managed to hit the ball...twice!  The moms clobbered the six year olds.  The boys weren't happy about it, but overall, a great time was had by all.  Quentin has such a great group of friends! Great idea coach!

Our baby graduated!

Last Wednesday was Sadie's last day of preschool and on Thursday, she gradated.  I love this picture of her.  So pretty! She was pretty excited to get all dolled up....fancy dress and lots of curls in her hair.  The program was really cute.  Her class walked in to Pomp and Circumstance.  They sang a few songs, Sadie sang every word and even did the motions.  We were very proud!  Good job Sadie Elise!  Kindergarten here she comes!

Take time to enjoy the little things : )

This afternoon, I decided to mow the grass.  With all the busyness and rain lately, it's gotten a little behind.  JR did the front yard a few days ago, but the back and side really needed it.  It was a beautiful day out and I thought mowing would be good for me, help to clear my mind.  Quentin, Sadie, and Lexi were playing "house" upstairs and my first thought was that they should really come outside since it's so nice.  But, my second thought was that mowing in peace sounded better.  That lasted about 6 minutes.  The kids came rushing out, girls ran straight to the swings and Quentin ran straight to me.  "Mom!  Let me do it!  I wanna mow!" Deep breath.  Count to ten.  "Ok buddy, here's what you do..." Instead of feeling frustrated and annoyed with the thought of stopping and slowing the whole task down, I decided to turn this in to a teaching moment and teach my boy to mow the grass.  I made him a square and showed him how to follow the lines.  He did such a great job!  He was a great listener, very eager to learn.  I was amazed at what a good job he did!  Later, Sadie was watching and she said, "Mom, I'm impressed with him." So cute and so true.  He worked VERY hard.  I convinced him to let me mow for awhile again, but soon after he wanted me to make him another path to follow.  I DID get frustrated a few times, but I DID let him mow more.  He mows just like he plays basketball and baseball - with a big smile on his face : )  Together, he and I mowed most of the yard. 
Later, we rode bikes.  Quentin recently learned to ride, without training wheels, at the neighbors' house.  He wasn't so sure about riding on our gravel lane, but I convinced him that he could.  He was nervous at first, but after no time, he was a pro!  He flew up and down the driveway at least a million times.  He was so proud of himself and so full of joy!  I loved just sitting and watching him.  That smile is one of the best!  He kept saying, "this feels like a celebration!".  I love that little things bring him such happiness.
After bike riding we made a trip to Walmart (booo!).  The kids weren't thrilled about going at first, but then decided to spend some of their own money.  All four of them got their wallets/purses and we were on our way.  They did a good job picking things out.  Cameron bought some Nerf gun bullet refills and to my dismay, a remote control four wheeler.  Ansley (who is a real saver) chose a jar of flarp ($1).  Quentin chose a Lego set, of course.  And Sadie bought a large bouncy ball,  a sour sucker, and a jar of flarp.  I got what was on my list and we checked out.  They each handled their own transaction.  I was proud and so were they : )  After supper and baths, Quentin began putting his new Lego set together.  It was a car and camper.  Once again, I was amazed by his talent.  He just zooms right through the instructions and in no time has the set completed.  Not just anyone can follow those step by step picture instructions, but Quentin Ross can. 
Quentin, whom I often refer to as one of my biggest challenges, really made my day today.  I'm so proud of him and the boy he is becoming.  Thank you for the lesson learned today, buddy.  Take time and enjoy the little moments.  <3
PS: I showered TWICE today!