Marley and me...and tears

Wow! I don't know the last time a movie has been so emotional. Me, yeah I had a couple tears. What can I say I'm a sucker for stuff like this. Did you like it? I didn't know the kids were paying that much attention, but the kids were bawling at the end when Marley gets sick and it shows the Vet putting him down. Jace actually fainted and Lyssa was inconsolable. I guess TV is still reality to them, especially Jace. So we used this as an opportunity to answer all their questions about graves, and resurrection, and dying, and I told them about my two pets that died. And we just did a lot of cuddling, and talking, and comforting before tucking them in tonight.

The Writing on the Wall

Oh the creativity of a two year old. Here is some fantastic artwork...at least she thinks so.

Message

Sleeplessness

I should be asleep right now. There is no real explanation for my alertness at 2 in the morning, except that maybe just maybe it is because I am not being pulled in 12 different directions at once: the baby doesn't need me, the 2 year old isn't pulling me by the hem of my shirt, and the older two aren't bickering... ahh the bliss!

But all that aside, I think the real reason for my sleeplessness is that my oldest daughter is away for two weeks. She left tonight. The first time to be gone for such a long time. Sure she has spent the night many times over at cousins houses, but only one night at a time. This is a new experience for Scott and I. Kind of a strange feeling not having my "baby" at home with us right now. She will be staying with Gma with 4 girl cousins and attending a theatre camp, and performing Alice in Wonderland at the end of the two weeks. They are so over-the-top excited for this adventure. I hope Gma survives. lol. I will be sending care packages to her...such fun! Jace and I will be getting the first one together tomorrow.

7th Birthday

This is the kitten that Lyssa will be able to bring home in a few weeks. It has a dark stripey tail and those 2 dark spots on her head and the rest of her body is white.

So, Lyssa turned the big 7. She was planning her big party for months! Lists, and lists. Written and re-written. Hmmm, I think she is related to me... here are some pics of the day.
Fruit kabobs. Yum!
Hearts on the cupcakes, in pink of course.
Happy Birthday to you!

Friends and cousins.
Playing Handy Manny-type games.
Mrs Handy Manny herself.
Lyssa, Alexa, and Kasey.

Hand-sewn doll

What fun! I have gotten the sewing bug. In the past few weeks I have attempted to make dresses for all 3 of my girls, and this doll that I hand-stitched. I have also learned a new quilt pattern and need to finish up Kiara's purple quilt in time for her birthday.

June Birthdays

I don't know about your families, but ours seems to have a plethora of June and summer birthdays. This past week was my 35th and my oldest daughter's 7th. Now, I love birthdays and I love partys--I just wish someone else could do all the planning and prep work and the shopping. Whew! It wore me out and I was stressed that I wouldn't have enough food and the kids would get bored, but no of course it turned out just fine. Next year I need to remember that kids will be happy just playing in the dirt-- no need to make it a big production. GRIN. Next year I told my husband I'm handing the party planning over to him.