Planting with Preschool BOYS!

So I had this great idea to give each kid their own planter to care for this summer. We went to Lowe's Saturday morning (after Spaulding donuts and Jacobson Park...fun AND yummy!) to pick out flowers. I will let the pictures show you how it went...

We're off to a great start... even posing for a picture!

We used my vegetable garden (nothing planted yet) to scoop up dirt to mix in with the potting soil.

The kids did a great job mixing and scooping. This was the best part of the experience!

After planting, they took turns watering. UNTIL I went to refill the watering can...... THEN

... OFF CAME ALL OF THE FLOWER HEADS!

The not so beautiful end result!

Needless to say, my reaction wasn't worthy of any "Mom of the Year" award! Once I got over it, we talked about how flowers grow, spread, and continue blooming. So, before long we should have pretty flower boxes for the deck. Maybe next time we'll sow seeds instead!

We ended both Saturday and Sunday night driving with Ellie. The kids had a blast. We are just trying to get them to understand they aren't driving bumper cars!

Thank you God for sunshine, family, friends, and laughter!

Thunder Over Louisville and other news

This past weekend we went to Thunder Over Louisville. I was so excited I couldn't stand it! For some reason I felt like a kid again. From Wednesday (when we decided to go) to Saturday morning that's all I could think about. I just knew the boys would love the airplanes and fireworks. We also booked a hotel with an indoor pool. I was so excited thinking about how much fun the boys would have. I used to take Austin with me to the daycare at my school, so he passed the airport twice a day. For two years he would scream with excitement every time an airplane would pass over us (and about make me wreck). Saturday's show was incredible, and we had the best spot! Thanks Kim! Kim's law firm has another office in Louisville directly behind the 2nd street bridge. We had the best seats in town.... 19th floor, huge glass windows, comfy chairs, clean restrooms, and food! We started the day with lunch at the Spaghetti Factory. Yum! Then, the airshow started with eight parachutes! The boys thought it was so cool that they landed in the river. The rest of the day they wanted the planes, jets, helicopters, etc to land in the water. Matthew liked going downstairs and outside to see the jets. Austin thought they were too loud, so he preferred to stay inside. No surprise there! At one point the boys (Jason and Ralph too) were outside and Kim and I were sitting watching from the window. One of the (super loud) jets flew over the building from behind us, and scared us to death! We screamed and Kim grabbed my arm. We laughed. From 3:00 to 10:00 there was always something going on. For being in one place for 9 hours (2:00-11:00), the boys could not have been better. Matthew had his face to the window in awe of the fireworks, and then all of a sudden gave up! He turned his head around and laid it on Jason's shoulder and went straight to sleep! The firework display was amazing. It was a wonderful day. Thanks to nana and pap for keeping Maggie too! I don't think the day would have been nearly as enjoyable with a one year old (9 hours)!

Tonight we went to play at Sara's house after dinner. Matthew wanted to ride his scooter and Austin wanted to ride his bike. As we went up the street to Sara's house (a slight hill) I heard Austin saying to himself, "I think I can, I think I can." I laughed. Matthew wiped out twice on the scooter. Luckily, he doesn't even have a scratch! Yes, they were both wearing helmets.

Tonight I laid down with Matthew before turning off the lights. I was snuggling with him and about to pray, but before I could even start he said, "Mommy, can you pray please."

Week Two With Matthew

Week two has gone very well. Matthew is growing closer to us, and us closer to him everyday. He is getting used to our routines (nighttime), rules, expectations, home, clothes, TV (not watching family guy), music (not singing "Lick it like a lollipop"), church, daycare, etc. Everything is different for him. It is hard for me to understand what he has and is going through. I pray everyday that God carry him and us through this transition. We need Him and want Him to provide rest and strength; to help us build a strong attachment built on love and trust.

This and That...

• After Easter service Saturday night we went to Red Robin with mom, dad, and my brother Jason. There is a large Statue of Liberty in the waiting area. For some reason Matthew thought it was Jesus. He kept pointing to it and saying, "It's Jesus." We don't exactly know where that thought came from... maybe because we had just left church.
• Every night when we put Matthew to bed he asks if we will talk about Jesus and his sissy. He loves to hear about Jesus and to pray. He always says, "Tell me more about Jesus and my sissy." I told the psychiatrist about this and he was very pleased. He said this is how Matthew is trying to make sense of what has happened.
• Austin said something that didn't really make sense the other day, but he caught himself as soon as he did. Immediately he pointed to himself and said, "Self. Why did you make me say that?" It was too cute.

The boys all dressed up Saturday night for church.

Matthew enjoyed sitting beside Uncle Jason at dinner. Matthew's face was still a little red from his face being painted earlier Saturday morning.

Saturday was mom's birthday. We celebrated after church at Red Robin and had Graeter's ice cream cake at our house after. Yum! We found this dress in Spain. As soon as we put it on her she laughed and spun around. What are the chances we'll ever get a perfect picture of all three??

The whole fam!

I love their matching shirts. Thanks Kimmie!!! These shirts were in their Easter bags from Kim. Maggie has a dress that matches too.

My sweet boy

Nana and Pap

My baby girl is getting so big
We had a BLAST on the farm this Easter. We even rolled down the hill!
We ALL rolled down the hill. I had so much fun... until aunt Sue emailed me to remind me to look for ticks!

Nana gave the boys beach pails filled with goodies... much needed underwear, swim trunks, and a movie!
Maggie found this sucker first, and then she was done!

Coloring eggs. We have actually eaten those eggs for breakfast a few days too!

He is Risen!

Happy Easter! He is risen! We had a wonderful Easter weekend. We went to church Saturday night with my family, and spent the day today at my uncle's farm in Stamping Ground. I have more to write and pictures to share, but I'm going to bed now in hopes to get some sleep before a hard week. Please keep us in your prayers this week as Jason will be out of town for the next two weeks. I am a little nervous about getting all the kids ready and out the door by 7:00. After getting them all to bed tomorrow, I'll post again with more pictures and weekend highlights.

Looking good in their suits after church Saturday night!

First Day At School

This was the note written on the back of Matthew's daily report from his teacher Ms. April:

"Matthew had a fantastic day! He was using very polite manners and very nice words all day. I am giving Austin and Matthew time to play together while Matthew adjusts to our room. I'll continue to keep you informed to make this transition as easy as possible!"

Jason and I both took the boys to school this morning. It went very well. We were up early, organized breakfast the night before, got everyone dressed, and walked out the door at 7:00 on the dot! Wow! Let's see if that ever happens again! Actually, it needs to happen everyday. I already have the oranges peeled, cut, and in bags in the refrigerator for tomorrow. I also have my lunch packed. Now I'm going to cut this post short so I can start getting ready for bed!

Matthew is doing great! After picking them up from school today I let Matthew choose between a couple of special choices to celebrate his first day at school. He chose dinner at Gattitown. Things are going great. The boys are having a blast together. They are playing so well. I can't hardly pull them apart. I think a brotherly love bond is quickly forming.

Enjoying a cup of hot chocolate and an episode of Curious George before going to bed tonight

Matthew's First Day at Tot's Landing

We had a picnic lunch after church on Sunday at Waveland Museum Park. Maggie loves to swing!

I think it's nap time! Austin and daddy went to the restroom. Matthew waited for his brother to return.

The boys love the little cabin at Waveland.

Sunday School Lesson

This is a quick video of what the boys learned at church on Sunday. I love it! We've been saying it over and over. In a previous post I wrote about our top six qualities we want our children to possess when they leave our home, this is definitely one of them (love Christ). We've also been repeating, "I always tell the truth!" Needless to say, the boys have both been struggling with this one lately. We always ask God at night to help us learn to "always tell the truth."

Move in Day Finally Arrived

Matthew was ready and waiting on us today. He seemed very excited about his move. I asked him if he said goodbye to his friends and teachers at school. Tina laughed and told me as the kids said goodbye he ran out the door ready to get home and move. He has done very well this evening, however he has had a couple of tearful moments. He has been through so much. I can't wait to give him a safe, stable home and our love.

Matthew helped move his most important items... his toys!

Saying goodbye to Tina

Ready to get in the car, but willing to stop and take another picture

All of Matthew's belongings... toys, toys, and more toys!

Our Trip Home

We are getting ready right now for our long trip home. Please pray for safety and strength. It is about 8:00am (Thursday) here. We land in Lexington at midnight, so it will be 6:00am (Friday) Spain time. See you soon!

Making the Most of our Last Day in Madrid

We started our day this morning with a bus tour of Madrid. Our first stop was the Bull Ring. We weren't able to see a bull fight (not that I want to), but the stadium was very beautiful to see. It was a sunny day today. Great for all the walking we did.

The Botin Restaurant is the oldest continuously served restaurant in the world. Yes, today we ate at the OLDEST restaurant in the WORLD! It opened in 1725...1725!!!!! We had a three course meal...gazpacho soup, roast suckling pig, and ice cream. It was incredible. It was quite expensive, so only four students, Angie (tour manager), Thomas, Jason, and I ate there. We really had a hard time deciding if we should splurge, but how often do you get the chance to eat in the oldest restaurant in the world? I'm glad we did. The roasted suckling pig melted in my mouth. I'd never eaten gazpacho soup before. I'm glad I had the opportunity because it is a Spanish specialty. It was delicious.
Suckling pigs getting ready for the fire oven
Gazpacho (cold vegetable soup)

Group photo in front of the Royal Palace in Madrid

Jason and I enjoyed our last cafe con leche tonight sitting outside in the Plaza Mayor.

Austin, mommy and daddy are so happy you are having fun playing in the waves and taking naps with pap. We will call you as soon as we land in Philadelphia. Mommy thinks it should be around 3:00. If you're sleeping, I'll talk to nana and call you back later. LOVE YOU! Pray for safe flights.

Thought of the Day

WE MISS OUR CHILDREN!!!!
Amy, how and where is MJ?
Austin, tell mommy and daddy about your trip!