Spring Break - Never Long Enough

My children are back in school. They filed out of the door this morning...back to school after a jam-packed spring break. They left a tornado in their wake. Piano books are strewn across the living room, breakfast on the table, and piles of laundry surround me. The house is quiet except for the first load swishing away behind me and a little background noise of Rachel watching Dora. Although I am thankful for my little window of time to fill the empty refrigerator, plan the menu, clean the house a little, to do, to do, to do, I'm empty without those five children at my side. Schedules help us accomplish a lot but sometimes I feel like it squelchs out our family time. It was fun to watch Rachel follow Emily around like a little duck, Joshua rediscover toys that he rarely has time to play with, and Allan enjoy a good book. I loved sleeping in, not making lunches, Fort Worth Zoo, trips to the library, ice skating, movies, Shrinky Dinks, Crafternoon, McDonalds, visits to the park, Chick-a-fil-a, playdates with friends, and Jason's Deli. I'm looking forward to summer.

Cheatham's Open House

We attended Cheatham Elementary's first open house. The kids were able to show off some of the work they have done.

Joshua has been working on his first research paper on Scorpion Fish. Science, math, and reading are his favorite subjects.

Joshua with his friend Drew

Emily was the most excited of everyone the whole night. The kindergarten had a Western theme this year. She decorated her own cowgirl, made a cactus, and bluebonnet flowers.

In the 5th Grade, the emphasize organization since they visit all of the classes for different subjects. All of his notebooks were detailed.

The highlight of the night had to be visiting all of their special classes - music, pe, library, art, and computers. I was so impressed! (We missed having Jacob and Allan there. Jacob took Allan on his first temple trip with the youth of the church and then to Braums. So happy about that.)

My Heart is Full

+ yesterday the sun was shining so gloriously. We noted the signs of spring as we went to school. Blossoms on the trees, birds singing, grass turning green. Today it is cloudy but I know that brings the rain to make our world grow.
+ listening to some of my favorite music. Nathan said all of my music is about love except for a couple of songs. Love makes the world happy!
+ Allan has his first temple trip planned with the Young Men. He is growing up way too fast. I'll always remember him as my little baby.
+ kids have been reading like crazy. New books from the library always call to them.
+ listening to my newest reader. Emily. She loves it!
+ watching my children learn and grow. They overcome, they try, they desire to be better. It's inspiring.
+ helmets and locks in hand. I love watching Nathan and Joshua ride bikes to school. Nathan always looks out for Joshua.
+ Rachel knows most of her colors. She learned pink and purple first. All girl. She still mixes yellow and orange. Toughies. She loves to sort small things - paperclips, waterballons, etc...
+ kids inspired for Football Friday. Laundry piles folded early this morning and chores completed. Now it's my turn to clean the kitchen and cook some delicious goodies for the kids. Probably oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.
+ Allan's first football game of the season tomorrow. He LOVES football and comes home so, so happy after every practice.

And I hate posting a blog entry without any pictures but I've been horrible at taking photos. This first picture is from the PTA newsletter. Emily is watching Eddie Coker perform at Cheatham.

This picture is of Rachel after I left her alone in my bathroom for five minutes. That is lipstick all over the counter and soap on the mirror. It was a disaster!