We're Opening the Pool

Matt plans to open the pool this weekend, so if you would like to take a dip in the pool with us next weekend feel free to come visit. We have a heater so even if it is in the 70's the water should still be warm enough to swim in. Gabriel has been asking for what seems like months when the pool will be open. He is now very happy. I guess I'd better dig out his swimming suit and see if it fits. Otherwise it will be a trip to Wally World or Target.

Squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeel!

Gabriel Says

While putting Gabriel in bed for his quiet time I asked him what he did in school today. He told me they were talking about food and dinosaurs. I asked him what he learned about dinosaurs. He said they are "instinct." I asked him what extinct meant. He said that it means they are all gone. Out of curiosity I asked him why they were extinct. His answer: "Because they wouldn't fit on Noah's Ark."

Gabriel Says

During Elizabeth's first feeding of soild foods Abby wanted to help feed Elizabeth. As I held her in my lap Gabriel looks at his daddy and says, "Aren't those 3 ladies beautiful, Dad?"

I found it very cute and thoughtful.

Elizabeth's first cereal

You know you're lacking in household duties when...

Your alomost five year old boy walks into his bathroom and declares, "Mommy, why is the bathroom so clean?"

Abby Says

"Are we in Kentucky yet?"

She said this on the way back to Matt's office after having lunch with him.

Matt Thinks I'm Crazy

Next year I will be very involved in several things I find important. I will be the Crafts Cooridnator for MOPS next year, I did it this year but as for next year I will need someone to clean up and put away the crafts since I will have to leave early to pick up Gabriel from Kindergarten. I was also asked to do Publicity for the Newcomers Club. This is probably the easiest job I have for next year and the least time consuming, it is also the one Matt likes the least. The final job is being on the Board of Directors for the Preschool the kids are and will be attending. I also plan on helping out in Gabriel's classroom as needed and being involved with the PTA. I guess I will find out how well I can manage my time with family, kids, Matt going to school and being involved in these activities.

Earning Their Way

Gabriel and Abby would love to have a new swing set. In order for them to understand that they can't have everything they want we have started making them earn it by doing many of the things we would like to see them doing on their own anyway. They can earn money to put in the swing set jar by getting dressed, making their beds and cleaning their rooms without being reminded. Helping out without being asked and doing kind things for one another may get recongized as well, but not all the time. I am hoping this will help them understand several things about money and hard work in order to get what you want. We have helped them out with some of the money already but want them to see what their hard work can get them.

Easter Egg Hunts

Every year since high school we have continued our egg hunts with money in the eggs instead of candy. Over the years it has gotten more fun and aggressive. This year it was decided that Sportsmanship awards should be given to both my sister and my sister-in-law.

My sister-in law gets the best sportsmanship award for letting Mark have the egg he saw from a distance. He told her the yellow egg on the gutter was his, she looked up shrugged and walked on by allowing him to get his egg.

My sister gets the worst sportsmanship award for taking the egg out of the bird feeder after I opened the lid. She grab the egg before I could get my hand inside.

I do have to say I have done my own fair share of pushing over the years. And it's fun to look back on it and laugh. Though time blurs for some of us.

We Needed More People

At the christening on Saturday night we had 22 people representing Elizabeth. Eight of the twenty-two were 4 and under. Here were several things that happened during the service. The first half of the service was in candle light so the kids all had candles, Kaleb burned part of his hair with his. We also had wax spilled onto clothing by some of the others. Gabriel didn't make it to the bathroom in time and we had no dry clothes for him. Abby needed a diaper change only to find that we had no diapers for her so Matt put her into one of Elizabeth's size 1-2's when she wears a size 5. Gabriel fell asleep on his feet during the last of the service.

Abby Says

This past weekend we had Elizabeth christened at the same church and wearing the same dress as I did. Anyway, as the priest poured the water over her head Abby said in a loud voice, "Elizabeth is getting her hair washed." Then a few moments later she said, "Elizabeth is clean now." It was a great moment and I just wish I had it on video tape.

I really can't do the moment justice just by writing about it though.