Busy week here in Albany

We too have had a very busy week here in Albany, Oregon. Ray turned 38!!! Hard to believe he's getting close to the big 40! We hope we surpised him with his new "smartphone". He truly is like a kid in a candy store. I'm not sure how smart it was to buy that one. Such total joy but gees louise he won't put the dang thing down. He seems to be settling in a little more to Amazon.com although he admits it's definately a little HIGH stress. This is big business at it's best and I know he will rise to the challenge.

The kids have been busy with their activities and I have been busy cleaning non-stop for people to come see our house. Carson finished off his first soccer season. Ray and I were so sad to see it come to an end. He is our first to love organized sports and I have to admit we as parents have enjoyed seeing his competitive spirit. He is quite the little athlete and Ray has loved gloating a little (or a lot) at the games, calling Carson "Pele" and casually mentioning how many goals Carson has scored. This past game was 5 goals!!! He also had a field trip to the children's museum and Carousel this week in school. Mommy rode the bus with him and had a great day watching him have such a good time with friends.



Olivia had her school musical where she landed the part of Cinderella. She had a solo and did such a good job. She was extremely nervous and I could see her doing "breathing exercises" until her moment arrived. She has been dealing with stage fright over the years and it was cute to see her overcome it once and for all.



Alec is busy with the things "tweens" are busy doing. Is this what we were all really like as teenageers? If so, I apologize profusely to my parents. :) I didnt know it was humanly possible to send as many text messages as he does. His favorite Saturday activity now is to go to the mall with friends. The highlight of his week is when Ray comes home and lets him actually drive the Mitsubishi. He primarily pulls it in and out of the drive way but he has also mastered driving around the block and around the school parking lot. Gosh I hope no one turns us in after reading that.



Addy is learning new things everyday. As seen here in the pictures she had her first taste of cookie dough and couldn't get enough of it. Ray calls these pictures "Manna from heaven" :)

We are enjoying our family time more now as it is limited to the weekends. We are looking forward to being together again as a family and hope that time comes soon. Pray that our house sells and that we can have a smooth transition as we begin this new phase of life.

What a great day to be a MOM

I'm grateful to be a mom today. I loved my breakfast in bed prepared by 6 little hands. French toast not quite done in the middle with brown sugar on the top??????, ice cold eggs and 2 year old bluberries from the DEEP freeze. :) How do you not just scarf that down?? I have to admit I had to be a little creative on that one.

I loved my handmade cards. Olivia was quick to point out that she gave me a tiny waist and HIPS in order to flatter my figure. Carson's beautiful card seems to be missing a family member and when asked about this he explains, "Alec (who he fights with quite regularly) is in our family but not on a happy day like today." Hmmmmmm. Ray wrote in only a way he can (quite gifted with words) about mothers and heroes and how they are one in same.

I loved my gifts. Alec spent the day making one thing or another in my new Magic Bullet. I think he may have suggested that one for selfish reasons. :) I was able to get ready for church this morning in my new robe because evidently I spend far too much time wandering around in my underwear. Last but not least I loved the hand-painted box in the shape of a heart for me to store my tiny treasures. Once again, my kids think I lose things and this would be a good place for me to keep them safe. "As if..."

I have been blessed to know so many good mothers and have learned so much from each and every one of you. A little more patience, a little more dedication, a little more laughter and a little more love. Yes it was a great day to be a Mom. Here's to hoping all you great Moms out there had a fabulous day!