Birthday Boy!

E's cake, decorated just as he requested with strawberries and oreos

Getting ready to make a wish!

Helping make the cake!! The best part.

I cannot believe my little man turned 5 today. Five seems so big!!! He is more than ready and has already been telling me "how he is so much older now and can do big boy things" I was so glad to be off work today and to celebrate his birthday all day with him. We started out this morning with a little extra video game time. Then on to helping make the birthday cake and licking the bowl. After S got home, everyone got to play in the sprinkler, a real treat b/c of the water restrictions we are under. Okay, no one call WSA on me. How could they deny a child playing in the sprinkler on their birthday? The grand finale was a simple family party with just Mom, Dad, S, E ,& M. Sometimes it is nice just to keep things simple and savor every moment. I am so thankful for my little man and the 5 wonderful years I have spent with him. Wow! how the time has flown.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY E, I LOVE YOU BUNCHES!!!!!!!!!!!

Too Much Technology???

Okay, how much is too much????

I had to snag this picture of M using my pocket calculator as her cell phone and "playing" S's DSL. Should I take this as a hint? Just as I was trying to decide about investing in a Blackberry. Can you imagine what kind of gadgets she will be using when she grows up? I am sure technology will have left me way behind at that point... well, maybe it has already.

More of Boston

Eating in the Northern District

The trolly ride to catch the boat for the
Duck Tour

A nice view of Cambridge (minus the garbage can)

Waiting to catch the "subway ferry"

A nice view of the city

Boston Bound

S and Mom at an old park on the Freedom Trail walk

S at the children's museum

?Old State house? my memory is fading fast...

S taking a rest in the Boston Public Gardens

Paul Revere House, the oldest wooden structure still standing in Boston. Original house built in 1600's before even Paul Revere lived in it. He raisd 16 children in this house!

Wow!

What a whirl wind day this has been. I should be in the bed because I am leaving the house at 6:00 AM, but my mind will not let me sleep. I know if I do not write about this now, it will only be a distant memory and not as real as it is to me right now. We started out this morning with Zach's graduation and ended the night with a surprise anniversary party. What a day of celebration.

I knew Zach had been do a little scheming, but he really out did himself this time... I arrived at my surprise anniversary party, without the slightest clue what Zach had planned until I got out of the car. Of course my 1st thought, was oh look what I am wearing...I think Zach was so determined to surprise me that he would have probably let me come with rollers in my hair!! Friends and family were there to greet me, I was quiet overwhelmed and speechless. This was a lot to take in for my (although I fight it continually) naturally shy personality. I had a great time and am so thankful to everyone who came. Zach even had our pastor and friend renew our wedding vows. I never thought I would be saying wedding vows in my capri pants, decorated with freshly spilled coke from M!!!!! My biggest surprise of the night was a ring, that he put on my finger, as I was still couple steps behind, trying to process everything that was going on!!!! I knew he had taken my engagement ring a month or so ago....but that was the last thing on my mind, while I was standing in my capris saying my wedding vows. It was also a little ironic, saying my vows with my kids running all around grabbing my legs and laughing. ( I was thinking, wow, it is amazing how 10 years changes things).

As usual, the analyzer that I am, I thought of lots of things I should have said...on the way home...Why do I always do that?

I should have said...

I am so thankful for God's blessing. I know that the only way, we have made it 10 years but for the grace of God on our lives. God has given me so much I do not deserve. I am so thankful for that. Three children, stressful jobs, school, and being busy can definitely take their toll on a marriage, but at the end of the day we are a team. We are on the same side, we are working together and not against each other. We are now and will forever be in this thing together. I am so thankful that God gave me such a great "teammate". Thank you for wonderful evening and all your hard work to make my night so special. I LOVE YOU.

Too bad I did not tell you that this evening.

Thanks Lauren for taking pictures, otherwise I would have had none. The camera was definitely an afterthought.

Okay, I have posted my day, maybe my mind will stop spinning in circles and I can sleep.

Graduation Day!

I truly cannot believe this day has finally arrived. I keep pinching myself over and over, because we have dreamed about this day for years. To say I am proud of my man is quite an understatement. Probably only my mom and a few of my closest friends know how I have awaited this day. A day that Zach so much deserves but yet true to his nature, he would not let this day be about him. Oh well, he can't keep me from blogging about how proud I am of him. The graduation ceremony seemed sur-real to me. As everyone around me was upbeat and happy, I had to keep myself from crying. My emotions were much stronger than joy and excitement, they were emotions of a journey, a struggle and at long at last a well deserved triumph. This accomplishment is huge for Zach and us!!! Way to go baby! I love you.

As the ceremony was ending, acknowledgements were given to the families of the graduates. When spouses of graduates were asked to stand, I stood up and looked down at Zach. He simply stood to his feet, (the only graduate standing on the floor), looked my direction and gave me a quick nod and a kiss. I know that really sounds cheesy, and I cannot describe it in words. It is really not for anyone to understand, just for me to remember. He never left the floor and never made a sound, but the conversation between us was more than anyone except he and I will ever know. It was worth it all Zach, It was worth it all...

Update for Spring!

Spring is here and this is what we have been doing

E's costume for alphabet parade
Pictures from Easter Sunday

Calloway gardens! Spring Break

The Zoo!

It is hard to know where to begin. The last couple of weeks have been a whirlwind, with no time to blog!!! S is winding down her last month of school. She completed the 1st of her many CRCT tests like a champ. She didn't worry about the tests at all, and didn't seem to mind the 2 1/2 hour test. She even came home that week to play "CRCT". We are anticipating the move to her new elementary school next year. The most exciting part for her is that next year E will be going to her school!!! E is finishing up his last month of preK-4. He has become quite to social child. He loves all of his buddies, we were a little spoiled last week, getting to go to the zoo and on another playdate with a school friend, all in the same week. M is growing and changing daily. She has mastered the potty!!! She and mommy are both very proud of that accomplishment. I must say she was my easiest child to train by far. It may have helped to have a certain cousin training too. A little competition is good for motivation. If B can potty, so can M!!! I finished my 1st of a long road of classes for my masters degree and cross our fingers...we are still waiting on the grade, Z finished his last class at West GA!!! I have been spending every spare minute (might I add that those are few and far between) gardening. We have had a great spring and I am so glad the weather has finally warmed up.