Thank you Thanksgiving

At this time of year people start to take stock. To think about all the things in their lives that make them lucky. I love this. But all year I like to think about what makes me thankful. The everyday things that bring a smile to my face and make me say a quick prayer of thanksgiving. Here are a few of those things:

1. Kevin: He is the most amazing husband, father and friend. I couldn't have been luckier than I was in meeting and marrying this wonderfully funny man. He makes me smile and makes me crazy everyday.

2. Hannah: She is super smart, artistic and crazy. She has the most beautiful lashes and cute freckles. She challenges me and makes me fell more pasion. Life would surely never be the same without her chocolate crazies.

3. Allison: Allie is smart, silly and thoughtful. She has the most lovely curls and I adore her nose spot. She makes me laugh and surprises me all the time with what she is thinking. She tries things. She is also a monkey, wiggly, silly funny girl.

4. Thomas: my T...my baby. Thomas is always cracking us up with his questions and mannerisms. He is a total boy and a wonderful change from the girls. I love his wink and his hand talking. I love that he is so into music (rock and roll!). I love his ideas and his absolutes.

5. Our home. Our home is messy and warm. Our home is wonderful and silly. Our home is busy and loud. There are toys everywhere. Our home is a work in progress. Our home isn't just a house.

6. My family and friends: For making me laugh and supporting and loving us no matter what crazy venture we encounter.

For these I am truly thankful. I feel so lucky everyday to be living this crazy wonderful life.

Matrix Anniversary

At the end of the first Matrix movie there is someone typing on a computer. The date they type is September 18, 1999. This is also the day I married my best friend and we pledged to share our lives together. What a wonderful time it has been. I can't wait to see what comes next!! I am truly excited about our future together.

School Days

Hannah Grace 4th Grade Allison Faith 1st Grade Thomas Kevin 3year
preschool

Classrooms Assigned....

Today is the day the postcards are coming. It's the time of year when the kids find out who will teach them this year. Also, if their friends are in the same class or if they have to meet on the playground at lunch. My little first grader was excited to find out that a few of her friends are in her class. But Hannah's friend Sophia is not in the same class. She seems trepidatious. I quell some fears by telling her how young and nice I hear her new teacher is. As I think about it more I share her concern. Last year stunk. She started out just fine, but it turned out her teacher was a dud and she was bullied in class. I want this year to be so much better for her. I am full of p's and t's with this situation. If you have some spare time send some of your own her way please do!

In the mean time I am thinking about how to get the girls off to a great start. Hmm.... Ideas to share???

coocoo

So I am crazy. I suggested to Kevin that we should try and make it on one car. Our lease was up and we were in a mad stress filled rush to find something else. Forget it! I said. Let's try going to just one car. Save some money and reevaluate in a few months. That way no rush and more money in the bank.

It made sense. But in truth I must have been out of my mind. I have 3 kids and they have activities and school coming up. Also I have 1 extra that I have been watching for the summer. But! I am committed....no not to the loony bin....I am committed to this plan. Today Hannah has piano at 4. The weatherman says rain. We are planning to ride our bikes. Maybe mother nature will wait a few before pouring down her wet goodness. Maybe we will get wet.

The other day I ventured out to meet with Allison's teacher and trade in books. We have been working on her reading this summer to get her ready for 1st grade. I took all 4 kids on a bike ride through construction up to the school and then over to the park for a picnic with friends. We did great. I was feeling pretty good. On the way home, Allison's bike chain fell off and her bike was broken. I did NOT panic (ok maybe a little internal freak out). I packed her and her bike into the bike trailer with T and rode home. Embarrassingly when we got to our street I had to get off my bike and walk it to our house. My legs were like Jello. I felt victorious once there though.

Maybe just maybe this is the answer to my prayer to loose some flubber around my middle....but I still think I may have "flown over the coo coo's nest and I am never ever coming back".

NY needs a check

You want free speech? Let's see you acknowledge a man whose words make your blood boil, who's standing center stage and advocating at the top of his lungs that which you would spend a lifetime opposing at the top of yours. You want to claim this land as the land of the free? Then the symbol of your country can't just be a flag; the symbol also has to be one of its citizens exercising his right to burn that flag in protest. Show me that, defend that, celebrate that in your classrooms. Then, you can stand up and sing about the "land of the free".

A quote from An American President that I feel stands true today with all the drama in NY

Summer Time In The Air

I could smell the sun when I woke up today. I don't know how to explain the smell, but there is nothing else like it. It makes me wish for long summer days in the sun playing with friends. It makes me remember a silly game Sarah and I made up called Queeny Meany (mostly I was the queen and I would squirt her with the hose). I think of smores, bbq's, camping and swimming. I can't wait for the kids to be done with school and all the summer fun we will have. Wait did I just say that? I must be summer crazy :)

Poem By Hannah

Rain Forest
Tap Tap of the ants on the ground
Caw Caw noisy birds in sound
Ohh Ohh Ahh Ahh monkeys swing
A little bell goes Ding Ding Ding

Drip Drip, rain off the leaves

Butterflies come for a little tease
Growl Growl goes the cat, going up to catch a bat
SSSS SSSS goes the snake, slithering and not taking a break
Snap Snap go the parana snapping, but I don't think they will eat Lama
Stick Stick goes the lizard, going to find his brother Gizard
Hop Hop goes a frog, He can't see well because of the fog
Moon shining bright
Say to the animals good good night!

Spring Has Sprung

We are so excited to get out in the fresh air! We even made our first trip to Eastern Market for the year. Meeting friends at the park, going for walks, seeing the flowers start to pop...We are all really enjoying the spring.

This week is spring break. We really needed this break in our routine. Today I took the kids to Royal Oak Library...or as they call it the "BIG Library". I really loved seeing the looks on their faces when they saw the huge kids section. Hannah has already read through 3 of her books! So fun.

It is hard to believe but our Baby will be 3 in just a week. Where did the time go?

The most exciting thing this spring is a new family member to love. Sweet baby Jane Elise Ovies has joined the family. We are feeling blessed to hold and love her, and so happy for Laurie and John.

Possibilities make me happy! Spring is full of possibilities.

Hitting the Ice

Yesterday Hannah was invited to go with some friends ice skating. She had only been once before so I wanted to go with her. I had so much fun. It has been a few years, but I think I did ok. Hannah started out pretty nervous and a little rough. But the more she tried the better she got. I am proud that she kept trying.

Next Sunday the 24th, Allison has decided she would like to ice skating as a family. She choose this instead of having a "friend" birthday party. If anyone would like to join us on this fun excursion I know she would love to have you. We will be at John Lindell from 3-4:20. The cost is $4 and $2 to rent skates. Lets Skate!

This picture is from a few years ago when we went as a family. I can't wait to do it again!

I can't believe 6 years have gone by so fast. Happy Birthday to our sweet Allie Faith! Please join us on January 31st to celebrate our girl with some cake and fun. xoxo

http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?inviteId=URQRWKOFRJXYACCUCXTH

Top Ten 2009 Moments

10. Thomas is potty trained! No more diapers!
9. Hannah finished 4 Harry Potter books this year. I love that she is a reader. It's so great to get lost in a fantastic story.
8. Allison is now in school full time. Kindergarten is the perfect place for her. She is starting to read small words, making friends, and having all kinds of fun new experiences.
7. Kevin has cultivated his green thumb and we are all breathing easier.
6. Hannah's piano has come along nicely. It is great to listen to her practice. She really enjoys it and is learning something that will last a lifetime.
5. Allison has broken out of her shell. She has made friends. Talked to teachers and other adults. When we go somewhere she is asking "can I go say hi to so and so" it is wonderful to see her develop her own personality.
4. Thomas loves Mrs. Prost. He and I attend parent tot preschool. He loves every minute of it, especially his teacher.
3. Kevin and I were able to get away for a week to Mexico. It was paradise. We had new adventures. We ate wonderful food. We enjoyed every second. Including coming home to hug our kiddos.
2. We have been married ten wonderful years. I look forward to many more.
1. We don't have everything we want...but we do have everything we need....Each other!