Our new pets...by default...have moved in. For the last three years, a dove has lived in my gutter in the front of my house. I can't stand this bird and I beg for it to be removed every year to which Jeff reminds me that it isn't hurting anyone by being there. This morning, while the children went out to water, they discovered two baby doves living and eating the bugs in the garden. I find myself being protective of them...the birds... and not wanting anything to happen to them. Needless to say, I've had a change of heart.
FYI...Jeff even crushed crackers thinking they might need a little something extra to eat.

You Are a Frappacino

At your best, you are: fun loving, sweet, and modern At your worst, you are: childish and over indulgent You drink coffee when: you're craving something sweet Your caffeine addiction level: low

What Kind of Coffee Are You?

Here are a couple pictures of my girls... Nicholas wouldn't get out of the pool long enough to pose. :-)

It happened....it finally happened!!!!!! I fell asleep with the children at 8:30 pm and I woke up about midnight to move to my own bed. The next thing I knew, Gabriella was crying and it was 5:00 am. No one woke me.....no child with growing pains, no child complaining of being cold, no child needing to be fed, NO ONE!!! Thank You GOD!!!!
I now have to clean my kitchen and finish laundry because everything sat last night. Quite alright though!! I had a full night sleep and can take on the world!!!
Two nights in a row??? Probably too much to ask!!!

These pictures are supposed to be in reverse order but Oh Well!!! I'm still learning!!!
Our entire summer so far has been spent in the pool...either the little blow up one in our yard or the real one at Grandma and Papa's house. I actually think that any body of water would do when it's in the triple digits!!! :-)
So my children and I are enjoying a summer full of splashing, complaining that you are being splashed, jumping, constantly being wet, dripping water through the house, slipping on the tile floor, Mommy yelling to close the door because the AC is on, and loads and loads of towels!!!!!
I'm off to do laundry!!!!

We have a rule in our house. As long as one of our children is an infant, no one is allowed to ask me if I'm tired. The answer is YES, will always be YES and at the risk of me answering scarcastically, don't ask. In a perfect world, I could fall asleep with the children and wake up as refreshed as they are but I forgot to request the "Magic Fairy" when I became a Mother. Apparently she will come into my home and clean, pay bills, return phone calls, and get everything ready for the next day. How come no one told me about her sooner???? Lately Gabriella shows no signs of sleeping through the night so YES, I'm tired.
Jeffrey is in his second month of graveyard shift. Combine that with overtime, court, and three children, he too is tired. So far, no one has broken the rule because we are too tired to spend unnecessary energy on asking silly questions.
As you can see, our children are lucky enough to sleep peacefully all night, nap during the day...3 naps for Gabriella..., and get plenty of rest. As long as that happens, Jeff and I don't stand a chance. We need one good night to even the playing field. I'll keep you posted...Nite Nite!!!

Here is my little All-Star!!! The season was a success and my little slugger received his first ever trophy and certificate for being picked for the All-Stars. Quite the happy boy!!! Congratulations Nicholas!!!

I thought I was the one that was ready!!!!!!!!!
For over 2 years, I have been waiting for the day that Isabella goes to school. Friday afternoon, Papa picked her up after nap so she could go play and without thinking about it, she kissed me goodbye and walked out the door....OK OK....she ran! You could see the excitement on her face as she flashed by!!! We have been working so hard towards potty training and talking like a big girl with the goal of going to school with Nicholas. A month ago it seemed so far away.
Monday morning she woke up ready to go. Papa came to get Nicholas...and now her...and she had a wonderful day. Swam twice, napped well, no accidents, made friends...all of the things she was supposed to do. I was even one of those parents that called twice to see how she was doing. I KNOW.....PATHETIC!!!!!! This morning, she got herself dressed and wanted to call Papa so he could come get her...Nicholas made the call. He showed up and I had to call her back for a kiss.
Apparently she was more ready than I was!!! SAD!!!! :-(

So much happening yet I feel the need to make a toast. HERE'S TO THE SUMMER!!!!
Nicholas just finished up his second year of pre-school and did quite well. This year saw some challenges for me with bringing home behaviors from school. Language, being physical with other children...mainly his sister...just trying stuff out that didn't quite go over well. Maybe he needs a little time off from school...Hello summer!!!
Isabella is about to start going to school for the summer. She is so ready to venture out and find another part of herself. We'll start slowly and have her start her school career on the right note. Swimming, playing, making friends, and having fun will be a great introduction. Getting out from underneath my wing will benefit her. Hello summer!!!!
Gabriella is growing like a weed. Her 5 month appt went well and my little Heffalump weighs a hefty 16 lbs, 10 oz. I recently got her ears pierced and she is really turning into a little girl. I'm looking forward to having some alone time with her...Hello summer!!!
My garage is under construction and my preschool will be completed by July!!! I'll have to decorate, furnish, organize, and get ready for my first class which starts Aug 7...Hello summer!!
Most of all, in exactly 41 days, I get to go home. My friends and family are all arranging their schedules to fit in a visit with us and I can't wait to see all of you.
Won't you raise your glasses and toast with me... Here's to a GREAT summer!!!! (tink)