I’ve been battling a headache all week, a husband working from home and a preschooler with no more preschool and nothing to do.

I have manage to get a template done for you all. I just whipped it up so I’m curious to see how many of you like it. I think it turned out pretty fun and worked great for my page below. For a second page I think it would be easy to rearrange the photo squares into a different clustery arrangement, subtract or add some more and waa laa — a two pager for those of you who love them. Download here.

Last week my little Emma had a preschool graduation. It was super cute and they sang lots of fun song. Can I tell you how much a performer my girl is? She’s crazy. She kept us all laughing. Anyhow, I think she’s going to miss some things about preschool but I’m hoping, come Sept, she’ll be ready for big kid school.

Enjoy!

This is Isaac’s newest passion. It was all caused by helping Daddy with yard work one day.

When getting in or out of the car, he will see Daddy’s lawnmower sitting idly by in the garage. He will then have to go to it, pull on it, and say “Da Da’s on-ooorr!” In his effort to say lawnmower as clear as possible, his little lips will pucker up so cute with the final R sound.

When driving around town, Isaac is constantly on the watch for any “gung-ers” (diggers) as well as any “on-ooors” (lawnmowers.) He will holler with joy, “Ma ma, gung-er, gung-er!” Grandma’s street is currently under constructions so the opportunity to holler comes quite often.

It reminds me of when my little brother went through the same obsession. I remember helping him out by pointing to big trucks on the road that I saw and giggling about it because I thought it was so funny. “Ryan, Ryan, there’s a big truck!” “Ohhhh!” his little voice would say as he peered out of the car. There is no denying that boys are genetically predisposed to enjoy trucks, machines, and electronics. It’s a real kick to realize that I have one of my own little truck loving boy.

Love you little man!

Me!

Here is my Mini Disco Diva and her Best Buddy, Jared (who’s name was Heatflash or Hipster something.) I wish I had recorded the show they put on for me today but some things will just have to stay as a memory.

I have done nothing important today except take care of these little nuggets. It has been absolutely wonderful! I actually sat down and played with Isaac for a bit. He was all grins and grunts. What a joyous time, ya know.

Check out this little stinker face. Can you identify what he has been eating? Me either.

I’m totally stoked about it being so nice lately. It was even a bit hot today. We went to the zoo with the rest of the world and the kids had a nice time. I spent most of my energy keeping Isaac with us, of course. The sun tuckered us all out. When we returned home Isaac went out in the backyard and fell right asleep on the warm tramp. It was a cute picture opp so I went to get my camera but Emma beat me there and woke him up. She said she had seen him and wanted to check if he was really sleeping. Argg. Luckily he laid right back down in his bed. Woo hoo.

Yesterday, we went to my mom’s house to have a picnic. Emma planned it and even pack lunch. She made us all peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. You should have seen the sloppy mess that they were. She was so excited though. Look closely for the remains on her cute little cheeks. She had a blast and it’s always fun to go see Grandpa’s chickens. The lucky birds were able to enjoy the PB and J’s crust remains. Grandpa’s field was full of dandelions so I thought it made a cute photo opportunity.

I couldn’t get Isaac to smile for me but I sure love his cutie face. I can’t get enough of his luscious lips.

This photo makes me officially hate my hair. I appreciate all of your nice comments but really, the day to day isn’t so great. It makes my face look sooo… ROUND! I’m a Mushroom Head! I think it has turned into a “mom” hair cut. I don’t think I’m quite hip enough to pull it off. And plus, I have to do it, like, everyday. Ahhh. That is a major no-no for me. I’m anxious for it to grow out a bit. Back to the bob, I think.

I have some updates to put up but I am sooo lacking my blogging desire right now. I’d much rather read a book or hang out with Emma. Strange I know!! (so not typical) but sometimes I just need a break from this blaring blue screen that never gives me much back. But alas, I going to mark off some of the things on my To Do List so I’m make some weenie attempt at summarizing my life right now…

Rock climbing: Our climbing gym has notified us that our membership is expiring. This isn’t such bad new seeing that we are willing to renew BUT… they have stopped offering morning daycare hours (I was the only one using this service.) This means no more working out for me while Emma is at preschool. Jer and I could still climb in the evenings and weekends but I really like the outlet in the morning/midweek. I’ve thought about joining a regular gym and this would be fine but I am totally addicted to rock climbing! I’m pretty sure we can’t afford both. Since the warmer weather is on its way we’ve considered climbing only outdoors but the opportunities are few and far between (considering needing babysitters for the kids or a third wheel to come along help watch the kids (which is always a pain.)) Humm, small dilemma? (KMCF, click on the picture for a closer look… that is Dan on the right hand side.)

Mother’s Day: Overrated… at least for me. It was a very typical day. No breakfast in bed. Wrestling with Isaac in church as usual (no one must have told him that it was mother’s day.) A messy house. Tired kids. I made this brag book for mom. Not too thoughtful but it turned out pretty cute. Now that mother’s day is over I can show it off. I was thinking about doing a template for it… Anyone interested? Is is 3×5 inches and mounted on chipboard tags from the craft store.

Shout out to my Momma: My mom’s the best mom ever. I can’t believe how selfless she was when she was raising us. I look at how I’m doing as a mom and can’t feel anything but guilty. She never had Girls Nights Out, never went shopping for herself, or never did she sit us in front of the TV for hours on end while she did something for her. We werea always bugging her and she would smile and bear it never raising her voice (ok, maybe I can remember a few times but not much.) We always had home cooked meals and my laundry was always miraculously folded and put away. Gosh, she’s the best… and her cooking is fabulous. Love you mom!! Hugs and Kisses!

Everything Dies: Yes, everything that I touch. We do not have a green thumb at my house. I stink at keeping house plants alive not to mention the ones out doors. I’m currently successfully at growing morning glory. We had this perfectly beautiful ornamental tree in front of our house when we moved in and it never bloomed into it’s brilliant purple splendor this year. I went over to check it out and the branches crumbed into dry little twigs in my hand. Needless to say we had to take the ax to it. Emma was so sad because it was her lovely climbing tree perfect for climbing pleasure. We made a small effort to replace it but our new Japanese Maple will probably never be climbable.

Scrapbook Retreat: For mother’s day my girlfriend decided to give herself a gift of scrapbooking from 6pm on Friday to 6pm on Saturday. A full 24 hours of pure scrapbooking delight. We were all invited and attended as much as our families activities would allow. It was awesome and we hope to do it more regularly. Ha. Maybe that is why I am extra tired of the computer today.

Well, that is it for now. Boring, I know. Those of you that are looking for my Monday template… I have one just about ready to go up but I want to work on an example layout for you all. Later.

I am loving the weather today. I can hear the thunder rolling around in the sky right now. All I really want to do is lay on the couch next to an open window. Ahhh. Does anyone not love a good spring rain?

A rainy day, of course, makes me feel melancholy and turn my thoughts inward. I can’t help but analyze things. I think… “Am I doing an ok job at life? Are my kiddos going to grow up without psychological harm? Is my husband happy? Does he have to do to many “mom” chores because I’m not on top of it (particularly laundry?) Am I making him watch the kids too much? Is Emma going to be ready for kindergarten? If a visitor came over, would they think my house stinks?” Ha ha, okay, not really, but you know the feeling. I think we have to sit down sometimes and make sure we’re going to make it.

I’ve been having a lot of mommy guilt lately. I’ve been dragging the kids around so much that Emma finally said, “I just want to stay home.” How could she turn down the park? Poor girl must be really tired. I get so consumed with errands or with what I need want to get done that day. I thought that perhaps I just need to sit down and play with Emma at home. I am not much a get down on the floor and play kind of mom but I think she’d really appreciate it if I did it a little bit more.

The other day we were driving and she was watching out the window. She turned to me and said “It always looks the same here.”

I asked her what she meant. “I wish it looked like Mexico or Hawaii.” (She’s never been to either.) Oh, yea?

“Yea, I want to be a hula girl.” Oh?

“Ya, I want to be a different girl and have a different family.” Humm, sad for me. I wouldn’t be surprised if a teenager had said something like this… but a 4 year old.

Dagger in the heart.

She’s been really interested in reading lately so I bought these Bob books. She’s loved them and has carried then around with her all week. What can I say… it’s not the best thing I could have done for her but I feel like I’ve made a little bit of an effort to be a better mommy. That’s what counts, right?