I often daydream I am an interesting, funny, insightful and inspirational speaker...much like those I heard at the "Time Out for Women" yesterday... and then reality hits when asked to speak in church. I mean, I'm a great talker...this does not mean I am an interesting talker...it just means I'm well practiced and talk A LOT (this is my official apology to all my wonderfully patient friends that must sit through my endless rants and still keep a smile of their face)! But unfortunately this does not translate into one who can speak to a congregation with finesse. How does one become skilled in this way? I imagine it takes practice and though I envy this skill and wish if for myself, I'm not quite ready to volunteer for "practice" speaking engagements. Maybe this is a talent better left for my dreams...but in the meantime, I'd better get to work on my talk for next Sunday - yikes!

Swing me higher mommy! and higher...and higher

Last year we spent the money and had a beautiful lawn installed in our backyard. As nice as it was, there was really nothing for our kids to do out there. In April we finally invested in some play equipment. Ethan had the ever so important job of handing Dad all of the bolts and screws necessary to put the contraption together and after a long day of slow work, the new swingset was ready to go! I really love seeing my kids outside playing more often...without having to walk them up to the park constantly! Now if only I could get some kind of contraption that would push them on the swings for me, we'd really be good to go!

Soccer Spy

Ethan began playing soccer in early April with the city league. I think his favorite part of the season is the snack after each game and practice and the chance to play on the park playground. But overall he has learned and improved a lot. During his first game he was a little thrown off playing against another team but took it upon himself to act as a strategy spy. Time out was called and he ran over and huddled with the "red" team right next to the coach, obviously to gather whatever info he could. It must have worked because his team won the game in the end!

Ava can't wait to play a little soccer herself!

Easter Eggs and Wild Burros

We spent Easter and the following week with Todd's parents in AZ. The kids loved hunting for eggs by the pool and eating endless amounts of candy all week! I absolutely loved not having to think of what to cook for dinner and being able to bury my head in multiple books over the course of the week. This is definitely my idea of relaxing! Many thanks to Tom and Toni and their willingness to host us and allow me to indulge myself so thoroughly.

Grandpa, Grandma, myself and the kids took a day trip to Oatman, AZ - just off the old Route 66. We witnessed a gun fight, toured an old hotel, and made friends with all the wild burros roaming the streets.