Breaks are the best!

Breaks are so important to me.  

I struggle with working full time and being a Mom.  I rarely feel happy about both at the same time.  I love teaching.  I love being a Mom, but both are hard to manage.  I always feel like there is something more I can do for one or the other.  I have 23 little nine and ten year olds with 23 different families and 23 different personalities and needs from 7-2:30 Monday thru Friday (Which is not actually the time frame.  It is very common for me to be answering emails regarding an upcoming social studies test while making dinner and folding laundry). Then, I have my two from 2:30pm-7:00am.  Therefore, any kind of long break is so special to me.  I can focus on just being a Mom.  

I want to start making traditional memories during breaks that we can look forward to and remember.  I decided that each spring break both kids would paint a canvas.  

Miley loved it.  This is her practice round.

Dex was a little bit of a stinker about it.  He just kept saying he "could not do it".  He was done after three minutes.  Not exactly how I envisioned it, but we tried.  I wanted there to be much more color so I think I am going to let him try again another afternoon.  Yes, I did the "D" on his.  

I have a six year old.

Sunday, we had such an awesome birthday party at Hoppity Hop.  We had such a great time with friends and family.  It was a whirlwind, but Miley loved every minute of it.  Michael took pictures, but I am not allowed to post any until he edits them.  The life of a photographer's wife.  Sigh....

 Yesterday, we went to the Dog of Nashville for hot dogs, Miley's choice.  

 Michael loves the Sunrise Dog as you can tell.  

 Pop Pop had been in Hawaii, and he brought Dex back a book and turtle.  My parents were hoping that this would help distract him from the last batch of presents Miley was about to receive.  Yes, my kids are spoiled by their grandparents.  

 You have to know the story behind this picture:  Dex is trying to reach for a present, and Miley is blocking him.  My Mom is laughing because Declan is slowly braking down, and he is asking if Miley's birthday is over yet.  We were all cracking up.    

 Ice cream!  

 I have been a little against Miley receiving an American Girl because everything is so expensive.  The problem is that this was the only thing she asked for at Christmas, and this was one of the only things she wanted for her birthday.  I am changing my tune because she is incredibly excited, and she has not put her down.    

It has been a fantastic birthday week.  

Miley is six years old.  She loves dolls.  She loves to sing.  Miley loves gymnastics and playing outside.  Miley's favorite breakfast is sprinkled donuts.  Her favorite dinner is hot dogs.  She loves her friends and family.  Miley loves animals and sweets.  She hates getting up early, and she loves staying up late.  Miley loves playing board games and legos.  She loves crafts and dress up.  We love her so much.

I officially have a six year old.  I am starting to feel like a grown up.  

All you need is love.

Sunday, Michael and I found out that a friend we knew through missions and church, Myrick, died tragically.  Myrick was a guy that you felt was invincible, and it scared me to know that he had died so suddenly.    Everyone kept saying "life is short" and "hug your loved ones" and "live your life to the fullest", but I already know life is short.   What do you do once you have hugged your "loved ones"?  How do you "live life to the fullest" while considering "life is short"?  I felt a little lost this week.  I reflected about every aspect of my life (friendships, family, career, money, future, children).  As I read comments posted about Myrick, I realized how full Myrick's life was.  I kept pondering about how to "live my life to the fullest"?    

Today at the memorial service the answer to my question was so obvious and clear.  Everyone talked about Myrick and the theme of everyone's message was that this man "loved".  He loved people, his family, children, career, and life.  It felt like such a relief to know that all I had to do was to love.  

Therefore, tonight, I loved.  

Declan and I went to a Mother/Son Magical Night at the Goodlettsville Community Center.  

Such a Fun Weekend

We had such a fun weekend together.  Michael has been so busy the last month and half with wedding shows and consultations.  It was so nice to spend the whole weekend together as a family.  

 We went hiking Saturday at Beaman Park.  It is one of our favorite local parks to hike, and they do allow dogs.  Maggie had a blast.  

 Such a cute little family.  It was so nice to spend the weekend with Ryan, Lou, and Lilo.

 I love that my Dad is a big kid.  He put the kids in this tree, and then he jumped up with them.  

 Thursday, we had a birthday party, and then Saturday, we had another birthday party.  

 Miley and her sweet friends from her class

 We went to the Pancake Pantry before church at Cross Point.  Yum!