Danger!!

Today, Staley was playing in the playroom.  She came out wearing a backpack, and told me it was her "danger pack."  When I asked what a danger pack was, she told me that it was supplies she would need if there was something dangerous.  Then she showed me some of the supplies including a pencil, money, and her camera.  She then further explained, "Like if there is a tornado and you are sleeping and don't hear the siren, I could write it down for you and put it in your room."

Hmmmm....thanks??

Secret Admirer

We love to read books around here.  We read lots and lots of books.  Recently, we read a book that mentioned a secret admirer, and Staley was immediately intrigued.  She decided that she wanted to be Adelie's secret admirer.  She made Adelie a card, and then decided that she wanted to make her a diorama.  (Which was another idea she got from one of our books.)  Staley spent her rest time over several days working on her secret admirer gift, and finally finished it yesterday.  She hid it in the pantry and couldn't wait for Adelie to wake up from her nap to show it to her.

Adelie was a very enthusiastic recipient.  She loved her diorama, using it to play with her figurines and mermaids.  And although Staley is doing her best to keep the "secret admirer" thing going, it didn't take Adelie long to figure out who made it for her.  Secret or not, I love the way Staley wanted to do something so special for her sister.  I love the way Adelie was so pleased with her gift.  And I love, love, love the love they have for each other.  It makes my heart so happy!!

GOAL!!!

Staley had her last game of her spring soccer season last night.  After playing 20 games over 2 seasons, Staley finally scored a goal!!

Don't let this action shot fool you.  This was a highlight, not the norm.

Last spring by the end of her season, Staley determined that she didn't really like soccer.  Her comment at the time?  "All you do is kick a ball."  She declined playing fall soccer, but decided that she really wanted to play again this spring.  She had a few little friends on her team and liked her coaches, but her soccer skills were about on par with last season.  She was always a few steps behind the action, never wanted to kick the ball if there were other kids around, and sometimes had to be reminded to pay attention.  It wasn't uncommon to see Staley prancing down the field, stopping to wave at us or give us a thumbs up.  Most of the time she seemed to be enjoying herself, but lacked that competitive spirit. 

Kicks offs and throw ins were a sure way for Staley to get a little action each game.

There were 5 other little kids on Staley's team.  They played 3-on-3 against other teams each game, so Staley would play for 5 minutes and then get a 5 minute break.  Before her final game, Staley noted, "I wish soccer was only the breaks."  When the breaks and the after-game snacks are the highlight of your sports season, maybe it's time to try something else. 

Staley's team (minus her friend, Kyli, who was on vacation)

Although Staley enjoyed spending time with friends and got a little better throughout the season, I think this may be the end of her soccer career.  If she's going to hang up the shin guards, at least she went out with a bang.

GOAL!!

Happy Mother's Day

Isn't this a perfect Mother's Day picture?

Doesn't it make you think of all the joys of motherhood?  The sweet moments with your kids.  The love and laughter.  The family game nights and walks around town.  The beautiful spring days at the park and the crisp fall trips to the pumpkin farm.  Doesn't it make you reflect on those proud moments where your kids do something amazing or say something reflective or do something so sweet or thoughtful or selfless that you want to cry?  Doesn't it make you think of those loving family moments?  Lullabies at bedtime and snuggling to read books on the couch.  Holding that little hand in yours as you cross the street or holding your baby as he nestles into your shoulder.  Doesn't it make you think about all the hugs and kisses and "I love yous" that fill each day?  Doesn't it make you so happy to be a mother?

But isn't this also a perfect Mother's Day picture?

Doesn't it remind you that motherhood isn't easy? For every perfect spring day at the park, there is that cold, rainy day where you are stuck inside for one too many days in a row.  For every sweet moment, there is one that includes arguing or whining or tantrums or sassiness.  For every proud parent moment, there is one where you wonder what you did wrong or if your child will ever learn to listen and obey.  For every moment of pure parental joy, there is one of pure frustration...or impatience...or total exhaustion.  Doesn't it remind you that not every moment of motherhood is picture perfect?  But doesn't it still make you happy to be a mother?

  That's the joy of motherhood.  God has blessed you with your children, and he has given you a fierce and unconditional love that only a mother can have.  He walks beside you and gives you those sweet and wonderful moments...and the strength to deal with the rest.  And even though it's not always easy, it is always worth it.

Every day is a happy mother's day.

I am so blessed!!

Question of the Day

Which of my children thought it might be a good idea to climb over the back of the sofa ONTO our 3-legged glass coffee table while I was upstairs getting Briggs up?

*If you are unsure of the answer, you have probably never met my children or read my blog before.

Thankfully, Adelie was fine.  The table, however,...not so much.

Twins??

Today, Staley was talking about a girl that she goes to pre-school with.  She said, "We look exactly the same except that Bella has bangs and long hair and our faces look a little different."

Family Pictures

Since all the kids had birthdays in the past few months, I decided we should do birthday photos/family photos this spring.  Our original date got rained out, but our reschedule was perfect.  We had a beautiful evening, a great photographer, and cooperative kids.  What?!?!?!  No one even cried.  And I have the results to prove it...

Sure, they aren't the most natural smiles for the girls...but looking and smiling.  I'll take it!

Of course, it's never hard to get this guy to smile.

And if you can wrangle her for long enough, she's pretty photogenic too.

And Staley couldn't get enough of posing...

and posing...

and posing.

Sure, they aren't all looking at the camera, but smiles all around.  Winner!

Love this light!  Love this boy!!

And my favorite!

Love this little family!!