Easter

I realized that I never posted about Easter. Better late then never. We had a fun one complete with too much candy and a lot of fun with family. The kids love the idea of having baskets full of candy all to themselves. What's not to love........well Mason came up with something. Leave it to him........... Amber and I took the kids to the West Point Easter egg hunt the day before Easter down at the city park. They have it devided into age groups so I went with Mason and Annie to their designated area. They were grouped with older kids who were much more aggresive and scooped up the loot much faster then our kids could keep up with. When all was said and done Annie was a little disappointed and Mason was furious and in tears. As we were walking back to our group Mason was grumbling and upset;
"What does all this crap have to do with Easter anyway? What's the point of a stupid bunny and eggs with candy! It doesn't even make any SENSE!!!"

I had no explanation. Really, how does the bunny and eggs fit into the whole thing?

Sunday we got together at my Mom & Dad's for a great dinner and a very fun Easter egg hunt. It's always fun to see everyone dressed up in their new digs. The kids come away with WAY too much candy. What's better then being a kid and finding a good haul to take home in you basket?

I bought Mia two dresses because I couldn't decide between the two. So she has one that matches her brothers and the orange one. Unnecessary but fun all the same. We always have a good time when we get together for holidays. Can't wait for the next one!

Why?

Why can't I shut the door on my laundry and have it GO AWAY?!!

GRADUATION!!! AT LAST!

Saturday May 2ND was Matt's Graduation. It was pouring rain outside but inside it was dry & crowded! The ceremony was held at the E Center and they definitely needed the room. The kids were pretty patient considering how long it lasted. They loved picking Dad out in the crowd and watching him walk across the stage. We all yelled as loud as we could when they read his name. We're all very proud of him!

You have to admit this picture is sweet. Matt has titled it "just a face in the crowd". It's a pretty nice picture considering how far away I was when I took it. Nice smile Babe!

Mom & Dad came as well as Matt's Dad. We didn't get a picture with him since he had to leave a bit early. It's always nice to have great support. Matt's Mom tried to make it but got lost on her way. We met up with her later that day at our house.

What a great day for Matt as well as our little family. We're excited about what the future will bring. Thanks to all the family and friends who supported us and helped us along the way. None of this would have been possible without all of you and of course The Lord. We love you all! GO MATTIE!

Moments

I had a moment yesterday. Small and fleeting but a moment all the same.
I was driving home from my Mom's in the early afternoon yesterday with Mason and Mia. We had gone for a short visit just to say hi. The kids had played outside and picked a handful of flowers (and dandelions) that grandma put in a vase and displayed proudly. They were so proud of themselves.
Anyway, on the way home they were chatting peacefully in the backseat. After a few minutes I noticed that it had gotten quiet back there. I glanced back and saw Mia with her head down on Mason's shoulder and Mason's head tilted and resting on Mia's head. They were both content and calm. It was then that the thought came to me, they really are good friends. They really do love each other. They're going to end up always loving each other.
Isn't that what we ultimately want? In spite of the fighting and tattling don't we long for our kids to love each other? Don't we want them to like each other enough to be friends? Really friends! To watch out for one another? To be their safeguard? That's what I want. And for a brief moment yesterday I caught a glimpse of how that might be.

Spring Break Project

During spring break Matt and I decided to tackle Mia's room and give it a face lift. She has always wanted her room to be painted pink so I decided she should get what she asked for if
possible. This is before....

and this is after......

She definately got what she asked for. It's PINK!! No other word

is necessary or fitting. It illuminates out into the hallway like a Pepto Bismol beacon. And of course SHE LOVES IT! As far as I'm concerned, I'm still undecided. I'll leave it this way for a while for 2 reasons: 1. It's what she wants and she loves it. 2. It was a ton of work and I think Matt would freak if I told him we needed to start over. ;)

I'm too lame.

Mason: "Hey Mom, you know what? I really hate Brenda Smith (name has been changed to protect the guilty)."

Me: " Oh yeah, you HATE her?"

Mason: "Yeah, I do."

Me: "Why do you HATE her?"

Mason: "You want me to kick in the details, huh?"

Me: "Sure dude, throw 'em at me (just trying in some lame way to keep up with the lingo)."

Mason: "What?"

Me: "Never mind."

I guess I'm not as cool as I think I am.

After It's Dark Time?

Mia has this phrase she uses several times a day. "After it's dark time, what are we going to do?"

Interpretation: What are we doing on tomorrow? No matter how many times we correct her ("Mia, the right way to say that is, what are we doing tomorrow?") she still says it this way.

So today Matt and I were in our room and Mia came upstairs. "Mom, after a lot of dark times, what day is it?"

Matt (who I thought was asleep) and I both started laughing. First of all, how many "dark times" are we talking about here? The possibilities of the correct answer are ENDLESS! I started to answer by saying "Tomorrow is Monday." That was evidently incorrect. After a lot of laughter from us and some frustation on her end, turns out the answer she was looking for was Christmas Eve........duh! I guess she's technically correct. "After a lot of dark times" it will be Christmas Eve.