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This is nothing special, well to you anyway. I'm not a scrapbook type, or a baby book writer, or even a picture printer. I'm terrible at recording memories. This blog is my attempt at holding on to some of my life as a Christian, a wife, and a homeschooling Mom of 5. I am a country girl that lived in a big city for 14 years, and moved to the Deep South for quiet, quaint, small town living.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Just a nice Saturday with the fam

On Saturday we went out for some family fun. First stop- the inner harbor. Yeah, it is touristy, but when we park in Little Italy for free, it is a cheap morning out. We walked along the waters edge, Troy took Liv and George on a clipper ship to check it out. I stayed on the dock with the baby in the stroller and snapped a few shots. Thanks to my friend Pam, she pointed out that one turned out pretty well.
We also went to Amer's cafe where the kids made their own pizzas. (I think I found a new fav eating establishment.) And we finished the day with yard chores, playing with water guns and the water table. I LOVE family time!

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Want to be a ballerina?

So, Liv's friend from school (Julia) takes ballet and tap. I want Liv to take dance for a few reasons. One, she needs an extra curricular activity- preferably a physical one. Dance might help her shyness around others. Her feet are starting to turn in like her parents (sigh) and dance helped me ditch my "special" shoes when I was younger. :)

I take Liv in to register her for a simple 6 week session in the summer, like a trial. I'm talking it up, she will be a little ballerina! Liv gets to watch a part of her friend Julia's class, and she shies away, hiding behind me. The secretary and teachers are friendly and wonderful to her. They tell me they understand the shyness and have had much worse in their classes. (They seem very professional and experienced with teaching all ages- I'm totally impressed.)

I pay, fill out the paperwork, and tell her we will have to buy a leotard and tights. She is just looking at me with the "Stouffer scowl." Then I add, "Oh, and you get new shoes."

With that, her face brightens up, and she asks, "New shoes? Really??? When is my first class?"

I have no idea where she gets that from, but I have a feeling this child might be very expensive in the future.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Liv's big girl bike

When Liv turned 3 and it was time for Nanna and PopPop to give her the traditional Big Girl Bike, she was so small, she could only fit a trike! But, now she can reach (and in interested) in riding a bike. Her school friend, Gerry had this bike from another family member. Gerry is all boy and will not ride a princess bike with streamers. :) He gladly gave it to Livia and she was (still is) thrilled! Thanks Mr. Gerry, Mrs. Dawn, and little Gerry!

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Cowboy Birthday Party!

So, George wanted a Cowboy party. Funny, how Liv had a Cowgirl party when she turned 3. The favors were fun, and wrapped up in handkerchiefs.

For Liv, I make her cowgirl boot cake, and realized there was only a small chance I could top that! Marcy and Heidi gave me some ideas and we ended up deciding on a horses' head. I was all excited!

Saturday, baking day came, and the first double batch turned out terrible! It was sticky and salty. I forgot the eggs! Ok, no big deal, I'm a little behind schedule, but I have enough ingredients for extra cake (I was planning on baking 8 sheets). Well, the 2nd double batch had eggs, but was also salty and wounldn't come out of the pans. Grrr. I was thinking Carvel sounded pretty good. It was a shame our freezer went up that day!

Janet McCready said, a barn would be easy. Yes, that would be easier! Giant provided some uniced cakes and we still worked until 1:30 AM finishing the barn cake. This pic is of the yucky cakes.


Finished, Praise God!

Guess it turned out allright.








George has no fear!

George decided to jump in on a game of soccer with some big boys. They were twice his size and 3 times his age, but that didn't stop him from stealing the ball! I guess he will be enrolling in soccer this summer. There goes my dream of a (safe) tennis or golf champ. At least it isn't football!

Geroge turns 3!

We spent George's Birthday Monday the 13th at Port Discovery. Troy took off work, and we really had a great time. We walked to the harbor and ate George's choice for lunch- Dora food. (we went to Chipotle) and then tried to get him a famous cupcake from the Baltimore Cupcake company, only to find the sign on the door saying the were all sold out and had to close early. The kids didn't know what they were missing because we only told them we were going to get a surprise. So, we happily ate at our reliable fav- Vacarros! Gelati and cannoli beat cupcakes anyday- so there!There was a cowboy exhibit at Port Discovery. Just a little forshadowing.... :)

Nanna and PopPop's traditional 3rd birthday gift to all the grandkids. The BIG KID BIKE!

Easter!

The big egg hunt at Nana and PopPop's. All the cousins were there and we still have candy left!
All dressed up and ready for church!

First thing in the morning we read the Easter story upstairs and then came down the find their hidden Easter baskets!
I found out that if you don't add water to the dye, just vinegar, the color is really bright!
Since I've missed a whole month, I'll try to catch you up.

Changes!
- George turned 3! Party pics coming
- I started seeing a Christian counselor. It has been pretty cool. I have a lot of questions about depression, bipolar, my ministry (or lack of) at this point in my life. It has been nice to sort this out with someone who can help me watch for red flags, show me the difference between depression and just a hectic life with little ones, and guide me with scripture.
- I also started to see a Chiropractor. After an MRI, they found quite a few bulging disks and, along with my shrink sessions, I'm doing some preventive maintenance on my spine.
- Troy is almost finished with the new entryway and downstairs bathroom! His ability to work has been cut a lot due to my new appts.
- Spring cleaning is almost done! Some friends came and really helped me out last week. I haven't been on top of things since....well, how long have we been here? 3 years?!
- Virginia got her first tooth yesterday. She is almost 9 mos, and has been teething for months!
- We had to buy a new refrigerator. Our freezer decided to leak a few times before George's party. (So, our major expense list has been, a new transmition pan in the jeep, new sofa and loveseat, and new fridge) Praise God we had $ in the bank to pay for these unexpected expenses. I'm believeing in God to provide a bigger car for our always growing family. No, I'm not hinting at any news. :)