It's A Wrap!

I can't believe it. My little Summer is done with preschool. They had a little class graduation the other day and I missed it because I had a class to teach. I was really sad to miss this special event but I was happy David could be there for her. Summer and her little friends sang a few songs at the church and they gave out their certificate of completion. As we were driving to the preschool on her last day yesterday Summer said, "Mom, are you going to cry because I am growing up too fast?" Well, I didn't cry but I must say somedays I sure feel like it. She really is growing up so quickly right before my eyes. She has loved every minute of Miss Marlowe and Miss Bordeaux's class. I am so grateful to her teachers for giving her an amazing and happy start to her school years. I am excited to see her enter Kindergarten next year. Kindergarten... here we come!

The Ballerina

Summer takes ballet and tap every Thursday at the preschool she goes to. Her dance class is having their end of school year performance this weekend. Here is a sneak preview of our ballerina in her costume.

My Forrest

I can't get over how cute this boy is. I went out to the back porch to find him sleeping during quiet time. I love him more than anything and cannot imagine my life before him. It is so funny how that happens with each child. Forrest is the sweetest boy... so mellow and happy and just at peace. I often look at him and can't believe how lucky I am that I get to be his mama. A true blessing.

Mother's Day

I had a great Mother's Day. Summer and Forrest made me the sweetest card. Summer spent a really long time on hers and when I woke up in the morning it was on the breakfast tray along with a bowl of cut up fruit and yogurt. The kids patiently waited and waited until I woke up to serve me in bed. I loved it. David traced Forrest's hand and had Summer color it as their gift to me. We went to the beach and had dinner at dockside, one of my very favorite restaurants.

We were all dressed up and never got around to taking any pictures on Mother's Day. However, I am almost glad because this morning as David was heading out he took this picture of us... the real us. The morning routine of me in my pajamas getting breakfast ready, Forrest in his pajamas and Summer in her "cozy clothes" before getting dressed for preschool.

I saw a card a while back in a card shop and loved it. It said on the front, "She designed a life she loved". I have often thought of this card. It rings true to me. I have designed a life that I love. I am living the life that I had envisioned for myself as a little girl. As far back as I can remember I wanted to be a mother. It is so much more difficult than I ever had imagined both physically and emotionally but at the same time it is also much more rewarding than I had ever imagined. And the love that I feel for my 2 little kids I never dreamed even possible. I want my kids to know that they too, through thoughtful decisions in their lives, can design lives that they will love. I by no means have a perfect life nor do I want my kids to believe in perfection but the core things in life that are important to me are intact and that is all that matters.

The Best Gift

Last week on Forrest's birthday Summer single handed taught him how to swing. And get this, Summer just learned how to pump on the swing a few weeks ago. Now I can't even get this boy off of the swing. He loves swinging next to his big sister.

Muffins with Mommy

Today was Summer's 4 year old class "Muffins with Mommy" program at preschool. Each of the students drew portraits and filled in the blanks what they thought of their mom on a sheet. The picture she drew of me is priceless and her words are so cute. I am going to keep this little picture forever. We had muffins and milk, and just as her teacher had instructed, polite conversation. After the breakfast, Summer presented me with a painted butterfly clip and a handprinted artwork she had made. I loved every minute. And for the record...
I LOVE being your mom, Summer. Thanks for making me feel special today.

Getting Real

I started laughing thinking about my recent post on how I have learned to "mother" each of my kids. This time it was Summer in the car on the way to preschool this morning. She literally had a complete and total meltdown. On our way out to the garage, I reminded her that she has dance after school and to bring her ballet/tap bag. Once we were half way to preschool, Summer realized she forgot her bag. Just imagine the screaming and fits throwing in the back of the car. I had Forrest with me as well and I didn't have a place to pull over on the highway to contain all of this craziness. Summer screamed, "If you don't turn around I am not going to preschool!" I replied calmly that she can go in her class and explain to her teachers why she is not going to preschool today. We got to downtown and I found a place to pull over in a restaurant parking lot. I got out of the car, got Summer out so we could talk. There I was in full view of the world looking and feeling like a complete and total failure as a mom. I had NO IDEA what to do with her. She was beyond reasoning with. I literally just stood above her and tried to talk with her... then I tried to hold her... then I tried to ignore... then I tried to be firm. Nothing worked. Everything in me wanted to just drive back home to get that darn bag but I held strong. We were quite the sight as we stood with her screaming. I eventually scooped her up as she was thrashing in my arms. I told her I loved her but we learn from our mistakes and hopefully this lesson will teach her to remember her bag next time. As soon as we got back into the car I sat her on my lap on the front seat and just hugged her. She eventually calmed down and just snuggled into me on my lap. Her crying finally lessened and while sniffling Summer whispered, "Sowwy mom", I almost started crying. It's not pretty all the time but maybe I do know how to mother my kids after all.

The Party

We celebrated Forrest's birthday today. David picked up Forrest at preschool for a birthday lunch at his favorite mexican place. After the lunch they went to a nearby park to go biking, one of his very favorite things to do. I asked Forrest what kind of dinner he wanted and he said a grilled cheese and spinach sandwich. While the boys were out, Summer and I came home to bake his cake and wrap his gifts. The dinner and cake turned out delicious and Forrest LOVED it. He has been loving all things "Cars" these days. For months he has been wanting "Cars" Mack the Trailer and Mater the Tow Truck to go with his Lighting McQueen car toy that he has had for a while. Forrest has been wanting to see the movie too. Well, birthday wishes do come true... David and I got him a complete set. Summer gave him the little cars: Fillmore, Sarge, Doc Hudson, Chick and Flo. He was in pure plastic heaven! David was able to put together an amazing theater in the back porch. With a laptop and a lcd he borrowed from a friend and a large white sheet hung on the wall, it became an instant outdoor theater. After the "Cars" movie, Forrest wanted to sleep with his "Cars" friends and we were happy to make that wish come true. A very happy 3rd birthday to my Forrest!

Three Years Old!

My baby is three years old. Where has the time gone? I LOVE this little boy. We have been teaching him how to hold up 3 fingers (that's three in ASL) and he has been walking around yelling, "I'm 3!!" His little preschool class that he goes to gave him this paper crown. I can't get it off of him. He gets lots of attention from it (hmmm... I think I'm onto something). Every single place he went he had people wishing him a happy birthday. And of course he loves wearing the big "3" that I sewed last night. He feels very grown up. Happy 3rd birthday to my Forrest!

Summer

Our Summer got her haircut. She thinks she looks pretty cute and so do we.