Well, that was quite a break...

I didn't realize it has been almost a month since I've blogged! We've been busy . Sometimes the kind of busy I like and sometimes not. But a blog in bullet points is about the only kind I have the energy for so here goes. I've been busy:

*wiping nose after nose, giving spoonful after spoonful of medicine, and giving cuddle after cuddle to a different sick kid

*attending 2 AWESOME conferences for 2 AWESOME boys and celebrating their great growth and character in kindergarten and second grade

*decorating Valentine's Day boxes and eating lots of conversation hearts and heart-shaped suckers

*getting our summer calendar mapped out (glory hallelujah!!)

* working at the kids' school book fair.

* being a pushover and buying more books for the kids at the kids' school book fair.

* figuring out my new iPhone (I have the best husband ever--happy Valentine's Day to me!! :) )

* writing strongly-worded e-emails to the school board members in our district so they don't cut our precious summer a week short as is propsed. Yikes!

* finding out Buck needs knee surgery following a workout injury from a couple of weeks ago. Thankfully it's not urgent but it is causing him some pain right now and my workout-addict-husband is craving a run! We are hopeful to have the surgery on the books by the end of March.

* trying yet another medication regimen for my migraines. Jury's still out but as always, I am hopeful!

* growing out my hair...it's been short short short for over 4 years and now I haven't had a haircut in almost 3 months. I will probably get the scissors out myself one of these days (which I have been known to do) but we shall see! :)

* and tonight...watching the Oscars, texting my friend Heather, and eating a Butterfinger Blizzard in my PJ's. Life is good.

I am sure I have been busy doing lots and lots of other things in the past month but those are a few things that came to mind. I hope all is well in all your worlds. Happy Monday, friends.

Birthday Girl!

Look who had a birthday!!

I seriously can't believe she is 5. Five years old! What a day week it was!! We celebrated from the Sunday before until the Saturday after the Little Miss's big day! The big 5 concluded with a trip to Chuck E. Cheese--a kid's heaven and an adult's nightmare. :) But what we do for our children. It was a very, very fun party.

Zo-Zo being crowned by the big mouse himself.

And oh my goodness--a birthday medallion too!

The funniest part of the day--Zoe got a chance in the "Ticket Blaster!" Because extra tickets for the oh-so-important prizes are definitely a highlight.

We are so proud of our big 5-year-0ld girl. What a year it has been. We can't wait to see what God continues to have in store for this little lady! Happy, happy birthday, sweet girl!

Overheard...

From Zoe to me at school: I ran into a friend and was chatting on the way to drop Sis off and she was tugging at my hand and said "Mom, FOCUS!" Think she has heard that one before?!

Also from Zoe to Tate: "Um, no, Tate, do not grab me there. That is inappropriate." Oh, dear...

Snow day and thankfulness

Enough of the pity party! I can't believe it has been almost a week since my last whiney post! My apologies...blame it (among other things) on the sleep deprivation. We got a blessed reprieve last Friday night when Tate miraculously slept through the night. It was a one-night fluke but it was much-appreciated!

We are in the middle of the blizzard of the century, judging by the weather reporters' enthusiasm! The kids had an early-out day at school and we are anticipating a stay-at-home day tomorrow as well!

In the middle of watching my children play nicely together, it hit me full force how fleeting these moments are. I came down this morning after getting up to see Max sitting at the table working on his homework. I didn't even have to ask or remind him about it. I flashed forward 10 years to when Max and I will inevitably be arguing about getting homework done. These moments are fleeting. When we were driving to church on Sunday, the kids were jamming out to TobyMac, loving the music, excited to go to church, dreaming about our summer on the boat. Again,I could see 10 years from now when we are dragging a 12-, 14-, 16- and 18-year-old to church after a late night out with their friends...when the car will be quiet and they will wish they were in bed rather than on their way to worship. Though I pray this isn't the case, I know chances are good that it could be. These moments are fleeting!

I think about the funny things the kids say: Tate's "nnnooope!" for "no" and him still signing "please" and "more" even though he says the words along with it. When the big kids ask Tate to say their names and it comes to Zoe...we say "Tate, say 'Zoe' " and he says "Sissy" because he thinks that is her name.

Charlie saying at least twice every day "Mom, I have a WONDERFUL idea." And showing us his amazing dance moves.

Max praying last night for Jesus to give Mommy a good night's sleep. And praying for all the people who don't have a warm home to be safe in the snow, for Jesus to be with them and keep them warm. Tell me God doesn't speak through children and I will invite you to listen to our bedtime prayers. Precious.

Zoe bounce, bounce, bouncing everywhere. So excited for her birthday TOMORROW!! Oh to have an almost-5- year-old's enthusiasm for one's birthday! Her smooches and her adoration for her brothers: " Max, when I am in college I will think about you all the time."

These moments are fleeting and I am thankful for the reminder.