Pirate Ships

I walked into my boys room to this sight:



They told me that they were building a pirate ship.

Apparently they found it necessary to empty ALL dresser drawers in doing so. They also felt the need to remove all bedding from their beds and relocate the mattress. REALLY?



At least they're creative with their mess making skills.

Preschool Graduation

It's really hard for me to believe my Jackson just finished his 3rd and final year of preschool. I so vividly remember that day, well over 3 years ago, that I first dropped my then barely 3 year old off for his first day of joyschool. That morning he cried and cried when it was time for me to leave. I thought we had such a long road ahead of us, with kindergarten so far off. Time has flown and now he is a big, independent, capable, almost 6 year old, ready for bigger and better. He has had the most fabulous year at his preschool where he has had swimming lessons, tennis lessons and tumbling along with mastering all he needs to know to start school.

And, me. . . I think I just might be able to let him go this coming fall knowing that he is ready for all that awaits him.


(Lola loved the bright yellow frosting on the cupcakes at graduation and thought she should wear it on her face!)

Being The Dad

I constantly talk about my kids on my blog but rarely give any blog attention to my awesome husband. On Tuesday night I had Young Women's at my house and Nate was so great to get the kids out of the way for the evening. I thought he'd do something like take them to Borders to read books or maybe to the pet store - you know, something I would do. But when the garage opened later that night, Jacks, Miles and Lola all came running in so excited about the hike dad took them on. A HIKE, I said??? This is something I would never fathom doing alone with my 3 kids and would only ponder momentarily if Nate was volunteering to go with us. Afterwards, he took them to the gas station and let them each pick out a treat and a drink. Dads can get away with things like taking kids to the gas station for treats. If I was to do it, they would try to make it a daily habit.

I'm so grateful that Nate is such an amazing dad. He balances my order/routine-crazy-self out and gives the kids things that I can't give them (even if it does sometimes makes me feel like the totally un-cool parent). He's always so very willing to give me the breaks that I need so that I can be a better mom. And for all of that, I am thankful.