My babies are leaving me..

Well, they haven't taken off yet, but I'm pretty sure they're on the airplane already. My oldest two are heading to go to Grandma Camp this week.

I keep thinking of all of the things I forgot to pack. And all of the things that they could get into trouble for and all of the worst scenarios. I love those guys.

Schools out for summer!

Wednesday marked the last day for our little two and yesterday was Kindergarten Graduation and the last day of 1st grade. I wasn't able to make it to Daniel's celebration, but I did peak in his room to see all of the soon-to-be-2nd graders dancing on the tables.

Daniel came home heartbroken. He was already missing his teacher. She is moving this summer, and that was hard for him to know. He has such a big heart. However, I have to say that today there's been no mention of her.

David's "graduation" was a hoot. They sang songs and danced for the parents. I will put up part of the video later. I almost didn't make it to his celebration either, but "Uncle" Jason stepped up to the plate big time and was our first time babysitter. Thank goodness!

So, to mark the official first day of summer vacation we've started activites already. The kids and I did a quick run to the grocery store and post office and then hit the library. They were having a circus party to kick off the summer reading program. They all played games and picked out books and then we watched a rather unimpressive magician. It's bad when even my 2 year old can pick up on most of the tricks. They had a good time though. And now they've decided that their next trip to the library they will be looking for books about magic tricks so they can learn on their own.

So, now it's my down-time as the older boys read and the little ones sleep. The plan for this afternoon is playing in the water in the backyard...

Here are a couple photos from Buffett.

And below, you'll see what I do with all of my free time. I love being crafty. It's the one time that I actually complete anything--I don't know how it is, but whatever I clean gets dirty again nearly immediately. I made this dress for Bethany a couple weeks ago. If you know anyone who needs a baby blanket or pillowcase dress, just let me know. I'm also trying to find people to scrapbook for--so if you come across anyone, send them my way. Thanks!

Attention, attention! May I have your attention, please...

It's official, Brian and I are the foster parents of the year! Can you believe it? Neither can we! Saturday we attended the annual foster parent appreciation party for A Place to Call Home and were very flattered to recieve the honor of being the foster family of the year.

I don't think the kids were any too impressed, but they loved playing in the wave pool and the hula hoop contests.

After the APCH event, the older boys & Brian went to Fiddlesticks for *another* party. It was a family day with the Black Children's and Families Services--the organization that provides Daniel with his behavior coach.

Everyone was very tired at the end of the day, so yesterday we spent relaxing. It's the last week of school this week. And it looks like it's time for me to get the kids out the door.

I'm so sorry...

I hate to brag. BUT, life is good!

Yesterday Brian celebrated another year of life. The kids made him a huge banner & enjoyed helping pick out a cake. After opening his gifts, we went out with friends to continue the party. I think a good time was had by all. I can say with certainty that I had a blast. Thank you to those of you who made it out.

And *today* I get to go see Jimmy Buffett!

We have the cooler packed and our island styles on. I'm thinking of this as my 6 hour vacation.

What was I thinking???

Arg!

Timing really is everything and it just wasn't on my side today.

Daniel (and David as it turned out) had an assembly today where he recieved an award. Well, if I wanted to go to it (and I did), I had to take the two little ones along. By the time the assembly ended it would have been too late for me to go pick up the little ones in time to be home for the bus.

This also meant that the little ones would miss out on nap time.

I got my workout during the assembly trying to alternately bear hug, tackle and chase down the little ones.

But I did get to see both of my big boys enjoy their shining moments. So, I win some I lose some. Right now the timing is perfect! I have all of 20 minutes of silence while the little ones nap before the older 2 get home. Where's the remote? :)

Always something new & fun

I only have a few minutes. I am heading out the door soon to the CHEER assembly at Daniel's school. He's going to get an award and Baxter from the Diamondbacks will be there to cheer him and his classmates on.

I wanted to share a couple photos quickly before I ran, though...

First, we have our little Bean. They did some face painting at school. I was cracking up at the blue nose. And, of course, my absolute favorite was the "Mom" tattoo on her arm. Our little guy was covered as well.. with spiders and bugs and snakes....

This last photo is from the other night. I've decided that it's a tragedy that our kids won't ever hear the "oldies" that we grew up on. So, I've been playing a few of them on Napster. The kids were dancing like crazy to Lollipop and Big Girls Don't Cry. Hopefully I'll get one of the boys' newest music videos up soon. They've started playing rock band and it's quite the show.

Who let's that little girl run around in just a diaper?

It's "my" day!

I am very lucky and spoiled.

Brian has showered me with gifts and all four of my children have brought home very special creations. I have a new necklace, pan, flowers, photos of the kids and a very cool handprint book.

I think that my favorite thing of all of it is this card:

Isn't he a sweetie? Here are a couple of his cool tricks from a birthday party yesterday. I'm amazed that he can be so athletic and energetic and sweet and kind all at the same time. How did we get so lucky as to have him for ours?

I would be kidding myself if I didn't thank a couple special women for helping us get these special kiddos. If my mom and Brian's mom hadn't done such a great job, I'm sure we wouldn't be prepared to parent our kiddos... Some days we still don't feel prepared, but I think we always know that we were very lucky to grow up with strong women who loved us very much.

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there!

Daniel's Coach...

Well, after much waiting... we finally had a behavioral coach out to see Daniel at his school. He's been doing well academically this year and is making friends, but he still has a very high level of energy and we're enlisting a little help for him.

His coach is very tall. And a few minutes after meeting Daniel he had one of the Harlem Globetrotters on the phone talking to Daniel! How cool is that?! The guy to the right is actually the one that Daniel was talking to. He has come to the elementary school in the past, but not in the two years that Daniel has been there. He promised to come by and see the principle again soon.

Daniel is very excited to have a new friend. And hopefully this will be just the right push for him to continue improving on his behaviors.

Daniel isn't the only one who needs a little help--we all do! Ha! And these days I need a little more help than the rest of the crew. We are trying to have a biological child again. I've been poked and prodded for the last few weeks and things are not going as well as we'd hoped. Hopefully, something will work out for us in the next few months.

School will be out way too soon. I'm looking for summer activities for the kids and we're planning vacations to see the grandparents.