vitamin ski

Tom took the boat out for the first time this season yesterday.  He went skiing and from the stories and the pics, had a great time!  He didn't have his camera with, but Mark sent these pics...

bag boy

Tomorrow,  Thomas goes back to the Dr. and, Lord willing, gets his cast off.  He's had it on for 5 weeks and we're all anxious for him to get it off!  Here are some pics of him in his bag...he wears it whenever he's outside or having a sponge bath.  My depleted source of bags tells of our frequent trips outside lately!  The final picture showcases some of his interesting little quirks as a boy....If the mood hits him and your toes are at the right level, he may just grab ahold and bite them!  

mr. fixit

The play microwave wasn't working, so I took it apart to try to fix it.  Wow, was this exciting to Thomas!  He stayed busy with the screwdriver for quite some time.  I think he looks like such a little boy in these pictures....

what hurts?

Ella asked the other day, "Momma...what hurts worse, the waiting part of having a baby or having the baby?" I explained that is a long time to wait so it's hard, but she jumped right back in... "No, what hurts worse, waiting or having the baby?"   

easter

Happy Easter!  Last night, Claire prayed.... "Thank you that tomorrow isn't just about candy and eggs, but that you were rosing up out of the grave!"  Need any of us say more?  

easter tea

The mother-daughter  tea was yesterday at church.  I took the plunge and was in charge of it this year!  I've hosted many tea parties in my years, but never for 130 people...this certainly provided a great learning opportunity:)!  It was a great tea though...lots of good food, girls in fancy dresses, & great friends. Couldn't have pulled it off without the help of many amazing teens and friends though...Thanks guys:)

early easter

We enjoyed an early Easter with the Ryan's on Sunday.  Thomas found his first egg with Jason's help and was tickled just to wander around outside. Walker turns 6 on Wednesday, so we celebrated his birthday as well.  Fun day with friends!

pipers eggs from Great Gr'ma

Great Grandma Darlene sends the kids these yummy eggs from Pipers every year.  This weekend, the yummy treats arrived!  The eggs are made out of chocolate or almond bark and are filled with more treats and a dollar coin. True confessions of a pregnant mom...I broke open Thomas' egg (after telling the girls they couldn't!) and ate most of it myself!!!  Just so you don't feel too sorry for the guy, if you look at the last picture you'll see I did share some with him:) Thanks Grandma!!!!

are you ready?

I explained Daylight Savings time to the girls this morning & that they would have to get up an hour early tomorrow morning.  Well, tonight Claire remembered and decided to get her cereal ready for breakfast 100% on her own!   She is such a planner...never would I have ever thought of this!  She is ready to "spring ahead"...are you?

a date for Claire

Claire's Sunday School teacher, Miss Tammy, took her on a date today.  When the kids have memorized 20 scripture verses in Sunday School, Tammy takes them on a "date."  Claire has been looking forward to this all week.   She lets them pick whatever they want to do and it's so fun to listen to their wishes for the day!  Here's an outline of their date...

*bowling & French Fries

*supper at McDonalds (more fries!)  Can you see the ketchup on her right cheek???!!!

*dessert at Dairy Queen & time to play in the playplace

*Fred Meyer...a stuffed bunny & Cadbury egg to bring home to remember her special day

In Claire's own words, "It's the most specialist day in the world!" Thanks for the memory, Miss Tammy!