preschool graduation
(an overdue post)

mikaela * hannah * esi * gracie

We had a little joyschool for the girls in the neighborhood this year. Even though they "graduated", at least three of them are going to another round of preschool next year!! haha I have a feeling they won't mind.

hannah's first dance recital
I was really nervous about this performance, due to the fact that approximately two weeks ago at dance picture time Hannah clung to my leg and did not let go. Needless to say, I was upset, and Hannah is in ZERO dance pictures. I was thinking, "If she is a nervous wreck at dance pictures, how is she going to behave on stage?" I was honestly expecting a disaster. But yesterday, up on stage, the girl was in her element! Her class had two dances "Me and My Teddy" (ballet duet with a teddy bear) and "Ain't She Sweet" (tap with attitude). The entire class completed both dances without even blinking an eye, and after they were over, Hannah asked if she could do another one! Her dance class is the cutest thing I have ever seen. I was so proud of her!



We were bad parents and forgot to buy flowers to present to Hannah after the recital. She noticed all of the girls receiving flowers and kept asking "Where are my flowers?" Shawn and I just stared at each other blankly. So after the recital, Shawn took Hannah to Smith's and let her pick out some flowers. The sucker dad he is, Hannah received a dozen roses in her favorite color.

mothers day happiness

I had such a nice Mother's Day yesterday! I was given the cutest cards, a portrait of me made out of construction paper by Chance (am I hot or what?), and beautiful yellow flowers! The kids (including the big one) made me an omlette (my fav), and even cooked the bacon outside so our house did not smell like bacon! [That is one of my biggest pet peeves, to smell like food -- ESPECIALLY prior to going to church or somewhere in public!] It was so nice. I had already received my "big" mothers day gift -- a Wii Fit. Yes, I bought it for myself for Mother's Day. Happy Mother's Day to me! If you don't want to be disappointed, buy your own present! I played it one day, and I haven't been able to get on it since because my kids (specifically Chance) have overtaken it. But that's just fine.
A highlight of the day occurred while I was putting Chance to bed, beginning our nightly routine. I asked him if he had chosen a story for me to read to him. He said, "Mom, since it's Mother's Day, I thought you could pick the story tonight and I'll read it to you. You just relax." So I chose one of my favorites -- Are You My Mother? (appropriate, right?) I kicked back on his bed and he read me the entire story. It was so sweet, one of those moments I did not want to end. He is such a thoughtful boy. Another highlight of the day was reading the paperwork the kids had filled out during Primary. They were supposed to answer questions about their mom. To the question "What is your favorite meal that your mom makes?" both of my kiddies answered "Chicken Nuggets."

Maybe because that's the only meal I make! It made me laugh. Chance stated that I have "a very cool job." I am wondering if he is referring to my job as a mom, because I don't think he has any idea what I do as a paralegal! And knowing Chance, in his mind, what could possibly be cooler than taking care of him all day? And by the way, that's a 31, not a 37 -- but both are wrong!

I am so grateful for my own mother. As one gets older, the sacrifices and trials your own mother has made for you seem to stand out and become more obvious. I am so thankful and lucky to have such a great mom who did, and still would, do anything for me. I love you, Mom!

the simple things...

I took Chance to his first T-Ball practice today. Shawn couldn't decide if he needed to be there, or if he could miss it. I told him not to worry about it, and that I'd just take him. Chance, of course, LOVED it. He loves baseball, it's really fun for him and he's confident about it. So, anyway, while I'm sitting there watching Chance give his new teammates (and coach) tips and suggestions on how to throw, catch, and otherwise play ball (how embarrassing!) I was trying to convince Hannah to go play with some of the little girls her age who were running around, picking dandilions. In typical Hannah fashion, she was shy at first, but soon warmed up and began introducing herself. To two, separate girls at two different times, I overheard her say this:
"Hi, my name is Hannah. My daddy's bald."

Talk about an icebreaker! When we got back into the car, I asked her why she told the girls that her daddy was bald. Her reply:
"Because, Mom, he doesn't have any hair."

Ask a simple question, get a simple answer. I can't figure out why she would mention that little tidbit about her daddy when Shawn was not even at practice! I'm dreading the day she is with Shawn and he overhears, "Hi, my name is Hannah. My mommy's fat."