A Magical Moment

Learning to ride a bike did not come easy for me. I think I rode my "Big Wheel" until I was about 7 years old and then my parents got me a scooter to help me "transition". My memories of the the early moments of trying to learn on my banana-seat bike are of panicked screams for my dad not to let go of the back and lots of tears.

So on Sunday afternoon...when the day had turned beautiful...and Nathan asked Greg to take off his training wheels, I braced myself for what was to come. I looked out the window to see them out there doing one of those "picture perfect" moments of a dad holding onto the bike and a little boy trying very hard. The amazing thing was, by the time I dashed to grab our camera, that stage was passed! Nathan was riding on his own! He has done amazingly well...right from the start. (We think we owe some to scooter he got for Christmas that he's been riding around on in the Church gym through the winter.)

What a magical parenting moment to really see your boy "take off" on one of the great "firsts" of life!

The Mother I Wouldn't Be

My sister Carol is 4 1/2 years older than me. I feel so grateful that in each of life's steps..I've had her to follow. The example I'm most grateful she has given me is that of being a mother. I know that I would be a different kind of mother myself if I didn't have her ideas and influence in my life.

One of the things we enjoy doing together...although we live quite a distance apart...is generate ideas for fun things to do with our children. Sometimes we even follow through with them! =) Many of the creative "projects" I've posted on my blog are really ideas from her.

We've thought it would be fun to do a blog together...of creative ways to enrich the lives of preschoolers. Both to share ideas with others and, even more, to motivate ourselves to reinvest in our children's lives in the days ahead.

Here's the link:
www.playingwithpreschoolers.blogspot.com

Would love for your to check it out now...and in the days ahead...and give you comments!

Cowboys

Last night we had a chili cook-off ward party. We were supposed to go in "western attire". Nathan wore his boots and Joshua wore his leather vest. Greg was asked to read a western children's book as part of the program...and did a really cute job on "Widdermaker". A clever book about a cowboy taming "Widdermaker", a wild bull.

Baby Quilt in Progress

I went to the fabric store to find fabric for a baby quilt! I was so excited for my first chance to make something girly! Ironically, the fabric I loved best had turtles on it! I guess I will go girly in steps...maybe playful boy has just gotten too ingrained in me. =) But I think it's turning out kind of fun. This is going to be a "rag quilt" just big enough to go over a car seat. Will post a picture again when it's all done.

Quilt partially put together


My favorite quilt square--an applique turtle

Family Outings

Although we've had some pretty days, things have still been mostly plenty cold. Here are a few outings we've done to make some memories together and get a "change of scenery".

Fun at the Mall

We had often enjoyed the play place at our mall, but recently we found out about a place in the mall that is like a cheepo "Chucky Cheese". You can get in free to a spot where they have a large indoor playground and slides. There are arcades and other things. But Nathan's favorite part was the roller coaster that he and Greg got to ride for $1! (You can tell that just fitting in the roller coaster was excitement for Greg.)


The Humane Society

Greg has been having a real "hankering" for a dog. (I'm hoping having a baby will meet his need for something new in the "something/someone to take care of" department.) Recently when I mentioned to Joshua that maybe we could get him a bike for his birthday, he quickly told me that he doesn't want a bike...he wants a "husky". Greg has successfully gotten these thoughts on all of our minds. We were out running errands this morning and Greg just "happened" to know where the humane society was. We actually had a really fun time looking at dogs and cats and bunnies. (Believe it or not two huskies had just been delivered that morning. Greg hasn't been the same since.)

Time for Catching Up!

With a lost camera found and some beautiful Spring weather (granted that means we've occasionally been in the 40s), it's been fun to get back into pictures taking! Here are some random pictures of our last few days.

Playing in the "Yard"

The little space of grass between our townhome and where we park our car is priceless!





Picnic at the Park

In an effort to make the most of the "warmth" we decided to go on our first picnic of the year at the park.

Nathan's Birthday--Family Celebration

A few more pictures from our little family celebration.

One of the most fun gifts for Nathan's birthday...both in the opening and in the playing since...was a "dress-ups kit" for he and Joshua. Now they can instantly become:
Firemen

Pirates

Army Guys!

(I got almost everything from our local dollar store. Sewed vests from clearance Halloween fabric.)

Nathan turns 5!

I can hardly believe that my boy is 5 years old! (Although sometimes I can hardly believe I've only been a mother for 5 years!) =) We had a great time celebrating Nathan's birthday at the end of January. Below are a few pictures from the celebration.

The decorations

The activities for his "Hot Wheels" party included:
Playing slot cars

Decorating "Stop Light" bags

Pin the car on the racetrack

Treasure hunt--Find the "spare tires"


Racing like a race car (complete with racing number and exhaust pipe for each)

And a race car cake! Courtesy of Greg!

Happy Birthday Nathan!

A Glimpse of Spring

Recently it warmed up just enough to try a quick venture to the park. (This means I'm sure it might have been above freezing.) =) It was so nice for all of us to get out in the fresh air and renew our "hope" that spring will come!

A Sad Time in Our Family

Hope to get back to blogging soon. But, just wanted to let you know that our nephew, my brother John's son, Kevyns, passed away about a week and a half ago. We recently returned from being with the family at his funeral in South Carolina. Greg has posted his obituary on his blog. (See sidebar under family. Greg--Living LDS)

Kevyns' passing and the time spent with family during the last week have been life-changing for both Greg and I. We truly miss Kevyns and our hearts are with John and Valerie and Elodie during this difficult time.