Majesty

Making Cookies

Enjoying time at the park (we played for 2 hours!)

Moses Cone Home

Enjoying ALL things beautiful

Just Majestic

Guess who has the camera?

We returned home yesterday from our yearly week in the mountains. We didn't make it to Tweetsie this year much to the dismay of my children. They absolutely LOVE that place. It literally can be completed in 30 minutes (ok  an hour if you ride the train) but they can not get enough of it. We normally ride the train 4 or 5 times, no joke, and they are never ready to go home. The weather was sketchy most mornings but all, except for one, turned out to be beautiful days. We always have a good time but by the end of the week we miss our "mansion at home" and have had enough togetherness in the 2 room cabin. It just so happened we only had one neighbor this year and they were staying directly under our cabin. I can't even begin to tell you how many times I said QUIT JUMPING. I don't think they've jumped one time since we've been home, naturally.
I have always believed in God. When I was pregnant with each of my babies I felt His presence. I thought many times about the miracle of life that was growing and that it all could be nothing more than a true miracle. When I go to the mountains, I feel that same miracle. In a different way, of course, but the majestic mountain ranges leave me breathless. Absolute beauty. 

Petite Picassos

To help the kids know what to expect for the summer (and yes, for my sanity too) we have designated days for certain activities. I'm such a teacher, true, but one week down and I have to say it has really worked out well. Mondays are now "Make-It Mondays" and that is the day we stay home and make something. Braxton has already asked what we'll make next week and I told him we could bake. This past Monday we painted. I received a gift card to one of the local craft stores from one of my students and went and bought canvases, paint, and brushes. I set them up in the garage and let them go at it.
It was already hot even with both bay doors open but by the time this project was complete, I was sweating. They had such a good time and we're just excited to do whatever they wanted. I plan on hanging these up. I'm sure one day they will appear more beautiful than I already see them. And be more valuable to me too.
(They're not for sell so don't even ask : ))

Beautiful.....

"Before you cross the street
Take my hand
Life is what happens to you
While you're busy making other plans

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful
Beautiful boy
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful
Beautiful boy

Before you go to sleep
Say a little prayer
Every day in every way
It's getting better..."

Happy Birthday my sweet baby boy! 

I  never believed anyone, 7 years ago, when they told me how fast the time would go.

And we all fall down...

He was so excited!

Doesn't she remind you of Marilyn?

This thing was MASSIVE!

So much fun!

Pretty Good Kid

When a six year old, soon to be seven year old, tells you 25 times in a few hours that he had a great birthday party, I consider it success. This party thing almost put me over the edge though.
We went with a company that did not penalize for cancellation due to the weather. The policy was that I had up until 11pm the night before to cancel. They called early in the week asking if they could deliver the day before I had scheduled (at no charge) and although that sounded great to me the weather had me very concerned. I looked at the forecast every day and every day it was something different. I couldn't make my mind up if I should cancel or not and decided that 30% chance of rain also meant 70% of sunshine!
The morning started off overcast. Mckinley who wouldn't go near the "jumpy house" last night was all for it today and Braxton started asking at 8am when his friends would be coming and even wanted to know if I would call them all to remind them.
Drop-offs started promptly and the party was on. The kids had a ball and before we knew it the parents were back to pick them up. Everyone commented on the Bounce House. It really was huge. Hopefully tomorrow we can swim and lay low.
I am exhausted!

When it gets quiet...really quiet.

You've heard the old saying, when kids get quiet they are up to no good, right? This afternoon I got home a little early so after unpacking I decided to start on dinner. Mckinley came into the kitchen and then she was gone. It got really quiet and when I went in the den here's what I found!
 Love a girl after my own heart...chocolate!

Join the "Army"

These two little ladies had people coming up to them all morning. They were so well behaved.

Mckinley does not play when it comes to eating her pancakes!

Today we attended a Magical Wonderland at church. All of the money raised went to support a fabulous cause, Claire's Army. Read all about Claire and her army here.
Mckinley and Zoie had a great time and were quite entertaining throughout the morning. Mckinley even ended up appearing on the local news webpage.
The entire time I was there though I kept thinking about the reason we were together and the event that had occurred that caused the organization to be. It's an absolute heartbreaking story.  Made me feel very lucky and caused me to hug my children a little tighter and a little more often today.

Joys of Waiting

Using the magnifying glass Chris and Ali gave her for Easter

They thought this pose was hilarious!

Chick socks and pink jellies...the latest trend.

Love this boy!

Who knew that waiting for a bus could be so much fun!? With these two (only if they're in a good mood) anything is fun! One of the perks of being on opposite calendars as Braxton is that I can be "mom" for a week. I have been able to take him to school, get him on the bus, and have lunch with him. Not to mention do laundry and get things done around the house on my "to do list" without anyone stopping me. It's been a great week and makes me look forward to summer.
And let it be known: if it looks like Mckinley just woke up, she literally was woken up just so we could go get Braxton on the bus. Under her jacket she still has her night gown on. She's not going to be happy come Monday when she's being woken up BEFORE the sun!