The Best Dinner Ever

Tonight we went to dinner to celebrate the fact that Erica will not need eye surgery. We first had to stop and get Ellie a new outfit. She wet through her diaper and clothes. Shortly after sitting down, Paul and I were regretting the decision. However, they were much better once we got some food in their bellies. Ethan even stopped the waiter to tell him that it was the best food that he has ever eaten. He then asked Paul if we could eat there every night. The hostesses got a kick out of his 20 questions before we sat down. "What is this red button for? Why do the lobsters have rubber bands on their claws? What is that drain for? Can I stick my hand in the lobster tank?"

Game 3

Ethan played in his third soccer game Saturday morning. It went much better than the previous games. He wanted to play, only fell down a few times, and did NOT cry--it was a good day.

Get back in there!

Another good throw in!

We never know the final score of the game, but that doesn't matter. The teamwork and enjoyment of the sport are much more important. The snacks after the game are also very important (at least to the 5 year olds).

Southern Indiana with 88 4th Graders

I just returned home from an overnight field trip with 88 fourth graders. I was excited about the trip, but not for leaving my children. Even one night away makes me anxious.

At the George Rogers Clark Memorial Park a "pioneer woman" demonstrated the firing of a rifle.

Models of George Rogers Clark, a french fur trader, a Native American, and a British solider


Angel Mounds


Sunset on the Banks of the Ohio River


A limestone mural on the facade of the Lincoln Boyhood Memorial.


Preparing for the cave tour at Squire Boone Caverns




Looking straight up so the stalactites. I was 9 stories underground. Did you know that the stalactites grow about 1 inch every 100 years? Some of the stalactites and stalagmites that we saw were 12 inches and more.


The dam inside cave--of course I have forgotten the name already. But, it was 16 feet across and 4 feet high. It was amazing!





panning for gold

and candle making

It was an amazing trip. I learned a lot. Did you know that George Rogers Clark and William Clark (of Lewis and Clark) were brothers? Did you know that a squirrel skin was worth approximately 50 cents, a bear skin about $5, and a deer skin was worth a buck? Get it? A buck's skin was worth a buck. I also learned that it is exhausting to take 88 students to a buffet dinner and a hotel. We only had a few minor incidents.

It is always great to be welcomed home by the ones you love, even if you have to drag them off of the swing set.

Game 2

Ethan was not feeling well the day of his soccer game. He didn't have it in his heart to play. The only thing that motivated him to get out there and play was Addie, one of his best buds. Addie is on the opposing team, and after the game they couldn't wait to talk to one another.

Ethan rested on the sideline with Coach Bart.
What a great throw in!

Ethan and Addie going after the soccer ball.
Ethan and Addie

Go Rapids!

Happy Birthday Buddy!

Yesterday, my baby boy celebrated his 5th birthday! I can't believe that my baby is already five. He often reminds me that he is NOT a baby, to which I remind him that he was my first baby. I tear up just thinking how big he is getting. We celebrated his birthday with our parents and my brother, Todd.

To My Son on His Birthday

Oh how the years go by,

Oh how time can certainly fly.

From once just a thought in far away dreams,

now into my arms and in my eyes gleam

the presence of you.

Your laughter and smiles

which go on for miles,

warms my heart and soul.

You're growing up so fast,

as I wish each moment with you to last forever.

My little boy will someday be a man

and right by your side I will forever stand.

I will pick up the pieces when you fall,

I will hold your hand and help you stand tall.

And when the day comes when you are on your own,

never feel that you are alone.

No matter how near or far apart

I am always right there in your heart.

Always remember whatever you go through

that no matter what, I will always love you.

Opening Day

Today was opening day for the spring soccer season. It was a great day to be outside. Ethan is on the Rapids (the light blue team), and Paul is coaching with a friend.

The only tears came after he was hit in the face with the soccer ball.

Ellie enjoyed the being outside when we returned home.

I turned Ellie's car seat around in the big truck. She was so excited!

Too Much of a Good Thing?

Erica love love loves Backpack and Boots (Dora the Explorer and her sidekick Boots). Friday evening Paul and I took the girls to the toy store to pick out a present for Ethan's birthday (Ethan was with Gammaw and Pappaw). Erica also wanted to pick something out for herself.
Before we even arrived at the store, Erica said she was going to find Ethan a "Spider Man thing" because he likes him.
We first had to find just the right thing for Erica--a Backpack book and Backpack panties. Then we could go pick something out for Ethan. It only took her a few moments to pick just the right toy and a get a bloody nose. Erica was looking over her shoulder eyeing the Backpack sunglasses, when she ran smack into a center aisle display. I was just not quick enough to stop her. A few tears later, she was okay because she had her Backpack book and panties.
As we were preparing for bedtime, Erica decided that she wanted to wear her new panties--all 7 pairs! I couldn't resist seeing the shear joy in her face as she put on another pair. She danced around for a few moments, then took the extra pairs off, placed them in her laundry basket, and then dressed herself in her "jammies."

Good News or Bad News

When posed with that question, I ALWAYS want the bad news first. Earlier this week my principal asked which I wanted first. Bad news: My job in 4th grade--you know the one that I have really enjoyed, the one where I work with the special education teacher, the same one that I only teach Language Arts because my team teacher teaches the other subjects -- is being eliminated. You see there are not enough students in 3rd grade to merit four classrooms next year. Good news: I have a job in second grade. Second grade! I have never taught it, but for some reason I am really excited about it. I mean really excited. It does mean that I will be teaching the another new grade level (that makes 3 different grades in three years). It means that I will have to move classrooms. It means that I will be closer to the kindergarten classrooms (and Ethan) for next year.

Family Daddy

Ethan and Erica sometimes fuss over objects and to whom they belong. Sometimes it is a friendly exchange; other times it can get very heated. Tonight we were outside enjoying the sunshine waiting for Paul to return home from work. When Erica noticed Paul's car in the drive, she began yelling "my daddy, my daddy's home!"
Ethan told her that it was his daddy too. Ellie had to join in the fun yelling for "da da da." Erica then reminded everyone that we share, and Paul was "our family daddy."

Hoppy Easter

Happy Easter. Today was a glorious day. The sun was shining, and we were able to spend time with the family. We headed the church and then to B-maw and Pop'O's house to celebrate.

Thanks B'maw and Pop'O for the wonderful Easter treats. We enjoyed our day together.

Who needs an Easter basket, when you can just use your shirt?

Ellie found her special egg with Uncle Todd's help.

We love to take our bicycles to B'maw and Pop'O's house. They live on a road with little traffic, so it is a great place to ride. B'maw and Pop'O looked after Ellie so that Paul and I could ride with Ethan and Erica. It is amazing how much faster I am without pulling the bicycle trailer behind me.

Ethan and Erica also were able to ride on the school bus. B'maw is driving the bus again as a sub. Ethan and Erica think that it is the coolest thing that B'maw can bring the school bus home with her. When should I tell Ethan that he won't get to ride the school bus next year?

We enjoyed our day together as a family. Now we just need another day off from work to get the house back in order. I hope you all had a wonderful Easter.