10 years

Ten years sounds like a long time. If you're waiting for something it would be but when you have someone by your side who is patient, makes you laugh and loves everything about you it's really not long at all. 

We just celebrated our ten year anniversary this past weekend and while we are always connected it's good to be able to refocus just on each other; Without all of the other responsibilities that can weigh us down. A long weekend away with no kids in Nashville is exactly what we needed. We were able to check out a blue grass band, The Ryman Auditorium, and the Country Music Hall of Fame with an exhibit just on Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash. And we of course ate some amazing food. We even took a little detour on the way home to Indianapolis. One of our favorite cities. 

Nashville skyline

Listening to some amazing musicians but I think my favorite was the banjo player. 

The Ryman Auditorium 

In front of The Symphony Center Fountain

The best darn biscuits I've ever had at The Loveless Cafe

We tried to stop at Mammoth Cave Park in Kentucky to get on a tour but it was full so we checked out this mini-cave  instead. 

In Indianapolis we hiked around the Virginia Fairbanks Art Park and also around the museum of art. 

I'm very lucky to be married to this man. It's been a fast 10 years and I can't wait to see what else is in store. 

Strawberries galore

This past week I decided to head out to the strawberry field outside of town and pick strawberries for the first time with the kids. Growing up my mother always dragged us out of bed in the early summer mornings in June. I remember having quite the attitude about just getting out of school and then not being able to sleep in like every other kid I knew. 

I am now, of course, thankful for those memories and just had to pass the experience down to my children next. 

Liam was an excellent helper as usual. And Caroline liked to pick the green strawberries and then eat as many red ones that I would allow. 

We left with 9 lbs of strawberries. 

I have made strawberry jam. Strawberry shortcake and strawberry pie. We have been eating our strawberries with everything and at every meal. They are so delicious. 

This is one tradition that will definitely continue every year. It's simply too delicious not too. 

Last day of preschool

Liam's last day of preschool was last Friday and Caroline and I even got to come! 

We went on a spring nature walk. 

The kids all had a picnic outside with tons of special treats. 

Plus the kids were instructed to "wash" the tables with shaving cream. It was pretty awesome. 

Even Caroline got to help!

These were some of Liam's favorite people! They always had so much fun together. 

On to kindergarten!

Friends

I'm so thankful that Liam has some great friends that he met this past school year. One of them is unfortunately moving away in just a week but the great news is they are moving to Michigan so we may get to see them this summer and hopefully in the summers in the future as well. 

An even better benefit of great friends is great new friends for me as well. The mothers of these boys are some really great people. It's going to be fun to continue to see our boys grow up together. 

The obvious

Today at the babysitters Caroline went poop on the potty. And as her treat she got a small scoop of ice cream. 

Tonight Evan and I were asking her about it and I asked her what kind of ice cream she got.

 

"Yummy kind"

At least we know she enjoyed herself. 

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day! 

I was so lucky to spend Friday with my mom and dad. They came over and helped with a little bit of gardening. It's always greatly appreciated! 

At preschool Liam had a Mothers Day Tea which was so great! He and his classmates sang us two songs and then we got to do a craft together and decorate a cookie. 

Today I got to have breakfast in bed! Crepes made by my husband and presents from my children. After church we ate out and all took naps. Sounds like a great day so far right? 

After running some errands this afternoon by myself I remembered that I wanted to take Liam to a movie. So off we went to the movies and he was beyond excited! Unfortunately this is where the day goes downhill. I forgot that this theater had assigned seating and since we showed up right on time it meant that there was only seats available in the front row. I am not going to pay $14 to crank my neck and only be able to see half of the screen. So we left. Liam was so disappointed. I felt terrible too. But I promised him I would take him sometime this week. Mom fail #1. 

Once coming home I made the kids dinner where Caroline refused to eat. Mom fail #2.

All night we have been struggling with Caroline's hitting. Ugh. 

But through all of these up and down moments one thing remains constant. I am their mother. They look to me when they are happy and they look to me when they are sad or mad or being naughty. Being a mom is tough. It's nice to have a day to be celebrated but the reality is that we don't get a whole day. A half of a day maybe. And they are totally worth it.