Spring Snow

Even though I am tried of

winter and the cold,

I have to admit it was beautiful.

Patio Swing

If you remember awhile back I was willing to

give our other dog away for eating the swing

cover. Well, since then I have looked everywhere

to find a new one. This swing is longer them most so the

average covers wont fit. So the other

day Jolene and I were out and she wanted to look for

a new cover for the swing. We couldn't find one but we did fine

a cover for a lounge chair which is longer then our swing.

So, I got this great idea, cut it down and then sew the new edges closed.

It worked!!!

Growing up

As I walked past Jolene's room this

week I noticed something on her bed....

Max.

He had been left behind several days in a row.

It made me sad to think that my baby is growing up and

doesn't need Max to hide in her back pack any more.

But the very next day, he was gone.

Back in the back pack.

Day by day she is growing up.

Fire and Police Station Field Trip #2

Part two of our in the community field trip!

First the fire station~

The kids were so excited to see the inside of the fire

and police station. They were able to see

where the firemen"live" when they are at work,

they were able to be inside of a fire truck

and an ambulance

and they were able to watch the

fire truck spray water out to the hoses

and don't forget the fireman sliding down the pole!

Then off to the police station.

The classes were able to sit in a court room,

see the evidence lockers, and

be locked in the holding cell.

They were all so excited to learn about these

great community worker and learn how these

men and women are here to keep them safe.

Homework

The last few days have been really nice. The girls

enjoy the warm weather so much. As soon as they get home

from school they head out back to do "homework".

I could hear lots of screaming and laughing and looked out

the window to see what was going on.

This is what I saw!!!

About 20 minutes later I noticed it had gotten quiet,

they were finally sitting on the porch doing homework together!

Yard Work

Raychel thought it would be fun to rake our
neighbors leaves. She got busy on Saturday morning while

I worked in our yard with Jolene. Our two neighbor girls

across the street thought it looked like fun and came to help,

then my little helper disappeared to rake leaves as well.

I guess raking leaves and being covered in them was more fun them

pulling weeds!! They may have played hard, but they also worked hard,

they ended up with 5 bags of leaves!!

First Soccer Game

The day finally came!!

Jolene's first soccer game!

She was putting in as goalie after the first little boy

watched two goals roll right past him!

Jolene was determined not to let the ball get past her.

She did it!!

She stopped two goals!!

She was so excited.

It was about "half time" when she looked over and noticed her

daddy had made it to the game! The smile that came across her

face could melt your heart!

Day at the park

Today was our lucky day!!

NO SCHOOL!!

We headed to GWS to get Jolene some soccer

cleats and shin guards for her first soccer game this evening.

When we finished our errands it was off to the park

for lunch and play time!! There is something

so refreshing about being at the park. I don't

realize how much I miss the park until we

are able to go after the long winter. To hear the girls

laugh, play and explore makes the day the best!

Writing Contest

Jolene came home with a piece of paper last week saying she

was one of three finalist in the first grade writing contest!!

I felt so proud. She was super excited. At literacy night they would

announce the winners out of each grade. It was a crazy night!

First we had homework to do,

soccer practice,

change clothes in the van,

meet up with Ward then race in for literacy night.

Jolene ended up getting 2nd place in the

first grade writing contest!!

Jolene and Mrs. Montoya as Mother Goose

Field Trip #1

The first graders have been learning about their community,

and what better way to learn then to see for themselves.

The four first grade classes loaded up on two buses and

headed over to the hospital.

They were able to see

X-rays,

the ER,

surgery,

a normal hospital room,

receiving,

and the best was getting

milk and cookies out on the grass before heading back to school

Another Sunday Photo

I know, another one???

At least that is what these two

said when I told them I wanted to take their pictures.

I just love these two!

I have been married almost 15 years,

Raychel will be 11 in 6 weeks,

Jolene will be 8 at the end of the year.

I don't want to look back and have one day

where I say, "I wish I had......"

I want to look back, even if its in photos,

and be able to say, "I remember when...."

So say Cheese and smile!!!

5K Run

What a great day!! Several weeks ago JM informed me

of a 5K run if I wanted to do it!

YES!

The last time I did a 5K it was with Raychel so I asked

her if she would like to run another one, she did!!

I couldn't help but feel on overwhelming love and pride for

Raychel as she made this choice.

It was a perfect day to run, not to hot and not to cold.

The sky was a beautiful shade of blue, the birds were singing and

the wind was calm.

We didn't set any records but we finished. We had set goals before

we started and we can proudly say we kept them!!

There is something so spiritual about running for me, or

just being out walking. To be in the world a loving Heavenly

Father created, to not be interrupted by phones, TV or people.

To be one in nature, to take all my worries, fears, and frustrations out on the

road. I always come back so renewed and refreshed, I

can hand life again.

Our little cheer leader!

We finished!! Walking over to Ward and Jolene.