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While Jon was grilling the other day I looked out my window and saw Noah and Chelsea playing baseball with a wooden stick. It made me happy to see that even though they didn't have an actual bat to hit with that they used their creativity, and didn't mind using a piece of wood. I went outside, and Jon said that these kids would love to play baseball for fun, and that we should get them a bat. The next day I went to the dollar store, and picked up a simple, plain, plastic bat that came with a plastic ball, and the kids didn't mind. They are not picky, and certainly didn't expect me to buy a top of the line baseball bat like the ones professionals play with. They were grateful for what I bought and happy the whole time they were playing which made my heart content.
When the previous owner of the our "new" house told us last summer when we moved in that we have a cherry tree that blooms in between spring and summer I didn't believe him. I'm no tree aficionado, and can't tell which tree grows what, but being that it was the middle of July all I saw were bare trees with green leaves. I didn't think about it, and then when spring came the tree began to bloom into a blossom tree. Now that summer is here, this tree is full of cherries! I couldn't believe it when they first started to bud, and now this tree is covered with cherries!
This past Sunday Noah and Chelsea had their spring piano recital, and they both gave outstanding performances. I'm so glad that we continued to stay with Ms. Nora because she truly is an amazing piano teacher. We were really impressed with her teaching methods, and after last year's performance we just knew that the 40 minute drive to south jersey will be worth it! The kids love her, and if the drive doesn't wear me out we plan on having her teach them again next school year.
Even though Sarah published this post on her blog three ago years I felt compelled to republish it on my blog in hopes that those who missed it will read it! Even though all my kids are older now, and in school full time I feel that it's still important to be at home when they come home. My full time job continues to be a "work from home" mom, and I continue to love it!
Life lately with this kid has been bittersweet especially when it comes to the end of the school year. Field days are a sure sign that first grade for him is almost over. I don't remember having "field" days or school plays as a little kid, but what I do remember are the moments that made me happy, and that was recess, and trips to the zoo! Having recess three times a day, and that one field trip to the Brownsville zoo in Texas will be etched in my mind forever! There are so many end of year activities coming up before school ends, and for the past week school has brought a ton of smiles to this boys face. From playing tug of war, and baseball at school, to singing, and dancing in playing a little role in the mini production of "Go Fish." Such a unique, simple, and sweet little musical that was created by his music teacher Ms. Appleby.
With summer approaching I have been finding meaningful ways to have my kids entertain themselves, and educate their minds with their hands. So many kids today are constantly seem to be on their phones playing video games, and what not. I am grateful to have my tube tv from 1998 still in good working condition where the only shows I get are ion television, and pbs. We don't own a Wiii, or xbox, or whatever the current game station is out there. I'm especially grateful to have a husband who is artistic, and crafty and loves to build things.
Noah has been on a kick lately with singing "love" song's from diffente genres. Recently he has become obsessed with 80's music, and I blame that on me! He compiled his own combination of love songs the other day with these three songs. Just try to picture him singing them in your head! "Take the L out of lover, and it's over (by The Motels), "don't you want me baby, don't you want me oh, oh, oh"(by Human League) and he added a current song of today too, "if you love me let me go!" Next time I'll try to get a recording so y'all can watch him. It was cute and hilarious!
Last weekend when we attended Karlee's homecoming in Connecticut a sweet sister whom I hadn't seen in over a year said to me, "you guys really enjoy going to the temple a lot huh?" My first reaction in my mind was "umm, duh, of course we love the temple" but I didn't really say that! And with a huge smile I responded, "Yes!!!! We love the temple!" It was nice knowing that someone noticed how much we love the temple, and how much I love sharing those days of going to the temple on social media. The temple means sooooooo much to me, and I love writing about it because it holds a significant role in my life. Whether I go alone, with Jon, or the kids. I am never alone, or lost without having that precious building in my heart, and in my sight.
Oscar Wilde said, "The best way to make children good, is to make them happy." I whole heartedly agree! The past couple of months have been devoid of major outdoor playing due to April being rainy, and soggy, and even though May had a few warm days that felt like summer they didn't last very long, but June came, she is here, and I'm even happier because that means that summer is right around the corner! There are only 15 days left of school, and I'm already planning on having a lot of outdoor playing with the kiddos. Especially with this kid.
Attending missionary farewells, and homecomings have become an important part of my life. It seems the older my children, and I get the more I want to be strengthened by the light the youth have. I love hearing about the young men, and women who have been called to serve a church mission. I notice the excitement on their face as they mention putting their papers in, and the light of love in their countenance as they get their mission call, It's a mixture of joy, and nervousness, but the end result of sacrificing those 18 months to two years of their life to serve the Lord is worth all the blessings that they will receive once they return home, and for the rest of their life.
So much happiness happened over the weekend. I think we all literally got but four hours of sleep throughout the entire weekend, but our trip to Montauk and Connecticut was so worth all the driving we did. I feel so blessed to be in an area where there are known, unhidden gems that we have never been to, and when I heard how beautiful Montauk, and the Hamptons are (thanks to my favorite movie Something's Gotta Give) I figured why not go check it out, and have some fun on the beach!
