In Memory of

Justin and I have lost many of our grandparents over the last several years.  Between the two of us we only have both my grandma's still living.  We were so blessed to have many of them in our lives for so long.  Since moving to our new home almost two years ago we haven't done much planting but we have been talking about planting trees in memory of our grandparents that have passed.  So today we purchased three Arbovitae to plant in our yard.  One for Justin's Grandma and Grandpa Kremin, one for my Grandpa Tio and one for my Grandpa Brimmer.  I hope to add a stone or rock by each with their names on them.  (I sense a craft project coming on here!)  

Blessed

Emma and her cousin Kate!

Another amazing joy in my life is watching Emma dance.  She has danced for five years at Liberty Dance and has grown so much as a dancer.  I couldn't stop smiling as I watched her dance today.  Two years ago she had to miss her recital due to her being so sick (pre tonsil removal) and I remember during her hospital stays Justin and I just praying she could feel better and be a 'normal' little girl.  I am so thankful and beyond words for how blessed we are.  I pray for those families out there that have children that can't experience 'normal' due to illness or other circumstances.  Hug your babies extra tight and give them an extra kiss at bedtime.  Live in the moment and embrace the simple joys in life!

Not sure what to think

Emma was playing school the other day and this was the anchor chart she made.  While we are very proud of her list and beautiful colors I can't help but think about the content.  Testing has become such a big deal in education that it is becoming part of a child's 'play' time.  Just not sure what to think about that. 

I was able to capture her drawing in her journal tonight too.  Emma loves to write and draw!  She is very creative and has some good ideas.  Zach is spending the evening with his Mimi, Papa and cousin Joe at the Brewer's game.  He was so excited as they are playing his other favorite team the Diamondbacks.  Not sure if I will be able to stay awake waiting up for him!

I am a Baseball Mom

I am officially a baseball mom.  My schedule revolves around games and practices.  I am becoming a pro at dressing for whatever weather may come my way.  The morning game may be freezing but if that sun comes out it can get pretty hot.  The back of my van has a baseball bag, chairs, blankets, umbrellas and maybe a few empty Gatorade bottles.  I am a baseball mom.  I have the weather app always at my finger tips on game days keeping an eye on the radar.  My diet consists of hot dogs, soda, nachos, subs or pb&j.  I cheer for our team and sadly I am excited when the other team makes a mistake.  When else in life do we wish for that?  I am a baseball mom.  I wouldn't change who or what I am.  I am blessed and enjoying every moment.

Summer is coming!

Have you ever had one of those days when you are just in a funk?  Today was that day for me.  I just couldn't shake it all day.  I can tell that summer is coming as my students are about ready to literally climb the classroom walls (you don't believe me, but this group would climb them if allowed!)  My best friend and teaching buddy is packing up and moving to a new grade (that will be addressed in a future post), and we had our last writing assessment today.  It seemed that everywhere I turned I was facing something unpleasant or sad.  The highlight of my day was seeing our fifth grade students perform their musical Annie!  It was amazing!  A true sign of summer in our house is bare feet and sandals by the back door which I happened to catch today so maybe summer is really almost here!

Doctor's Orders!

When we were at the clinic talking to Emma's CVS doctor a week ago, I had to answer some questions about Emma.  Two of the questions stood out to me as odd, meaning I didn't understand the connection to CVS.  The first question was in regards to how Emma handles the heat.  Emma is not a fan of heat and doesn't like being outside too long when it is hot.  Well....the doctor shared with me some very technical information and stats about how CVS and low heat tolerance were connected.  I didn't understand much of the technical stuff but I certainly understood when he said, "A pool for Emma would be a great idea!"  Well, we found a great deal on those free standing ones and we caved and got it this past weekend.  Emma and Zach love it!  I think we made a good decision and who are we to question a doctor's orders!  

Thankful

Today was a great day to remember and thank those that have served and protected our country.  The weather was beautiful and as the kids played in the water I couldn't help but think about what a great country we live in.  It was also fitting that today I finished painting the stripes on our large pallet flag.  Last step is the stars!  Thankful for our freedom and the simple joys of life!

Kids being Kids

There was no way I could pick just one picture today!  I used my ultra zoom lens to capture the photo of Emma.  I was just clicking away and got that shot!  I think her RC car collided with Zach's car.  OH NO!  Zach was tinkering with his RC car and shot some hoops tonight.  While baseball is Zach's first love he really likes basketball too!  Today was a good day to do some shopping and crafting.  I finished the hot air balloon craft and have started working on an American flag pallet.  Sorry this wasn't an exciting post - just the daily life of me!

Regular Saturday

Today was a beautiful day.  We have been waiting months for the weather to improve and these last few days have been just amazing.  Today was a regular Saturday for us.  The only thing we had scheduled was dance practice.  I took advantage of a lazy day and started a craft.  I am not sure where it will go or what I am doing with it but I am excited to see how it looks when I am all done.  Let's just say it involves three dimensional hot air balloons and lots of color!  I also took some time to read and enjoy the sunny weather.  I always look forward to the summer when I can read so much more!  Simple joys of today: crafting, reading, watching Emma dance, watching Zach and Justin play catch and sunshine!

Simple Joys

I missed yesterday due to a very late baseball game.  Zach's team won 17-2 and he pitched an amazing three innings!  I read this quote recently, "Pausing to delight in the simple joys of everyday life is the only way to truly live."  I need this reminder often.  Days go by so quickly and I am working towards slowing down and appreciating the small moments in life.  Too many times I am worrying about what is coming up next, or worrying about things that I can't change.  Tonight I took a moment to appreciate the small things.  Emma's beautiful smile, Zach being goofy and his first grilling lesson.  These are the moments we never get back and they go by so quickly.  So pause and enjoy the simple things each and every day.

Teacher in the making

This photo captures so many of Emma's loves.  She loves to read and plays 'teacher' in her bedroom all the time!  I would be very proud if that were the path she choose in life!  Notice the bitty baby doll in the large teddy bears lap?  I think that will forever be in Emma's life.  She got her years ago when we went to Chicago for the first time as a family.  She was one happy girl!  As we were walking back to the hotel she was in her stroller and holding so tightly onto her American Girl bag.  Time goes so fast.  I pray for life to slow down and try to remind myself to cherish every moment!

First Mistake Ever!

I had a hard time choosing a favorite picture today so there are two!   I feel like Emma's eyes are telling me a story in this picture.  I can only imagine what her story would be.  The picture of Zach shows him in all his glory.  He is playing catch with his dad!  This is his favorite thing to do!

Hoping for some warmer weather to stick around soon.  It feels like November outside!  We had Emma's dance pictures tonight that we almost missed.  I had down that they were at 6:00 but received a text from my sister asking me where I was at 5:15, pictures were at 5:00??  We made it to the studio just in time for her to get her pictures taken.  She looked beautiful.  My first mistake ever!

First Picture

I am attempting to take a picture a day for the summer.  Here is my first one!  Emma has been battling CVS (Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome) for a couple of years now.  Today we returned to her GI doctor in order to see if there is more or something different we can do to help her.  We are going to start a new over the counter vitamin called CoQ10.  This will hopefully help her heat tolerance and her stamina.  If we get that under control there is a new medicine we may try in the fall to help with her CVS and anxiety.  (Right now we just treat her anxiety thinking that may in turn help her CVS.)  This photo captures her beautifully.  My sweet girl, I will keep fighting and searching for answers to help you feel better.