Ballerina Ball Player

Emily is quite the well-rounded child. Yesterday she discovered the tee-ball equipment, put a helmet on and announced, "Look, I'm a baseball grill (girl)." We went outside and she attempted to hit a few balls I pitched to her.

About 30 minutes later she decided she was ballerina girl. She loves her new wands and bracelet.
I've never had a child who wants to change clothes as often as she does.

This weekend has been wonderful. On Friday we went to see the movie "Up". I love movies that inspire you to enjoy what you have. This one definitely did that for me. Afterwards we came home and went to look at the stars while laying on the grass at the church by our house. This was Dan & Jacob's idea. In fact Jacob didn't want to go on his "date" with us to the movie because he was so looking forward to seeing the stars with Dan. So we all went over as a family and ended up playing a little game of hide and seek in the dark. It felt sort of nostalgic...like what you dream family life is going to be like when you envision yourself growing up someday. Everyone was happily holding hands on our way back. I wish I could make every day be this good!

Happy Birthday Daniel!

Yesterday we celebrated Dan's birthday. This year we decided to take each child on a date out to eat on their own instead of having friend parties. I love Dan's gratitude for the little things. He was so excited to get his very own root beer w/ refills. He loved holding both of our hands and "swinging" as we walked in the parking lot. I don't think we'll be able to do that much longer. He is such a solid kid. When mentioning his favorite gifts, he even listed "mom cleaned my room" as one of them. He has been busy all morning with his little truck & trailer he hasn't even asked to play with friends yet. He decided he wanted a baseball cake since he's starting tee ball next week. So I made 2 rounds with some pudding frosting and a few red fruit snacks for the "stitches." I love simple cakes that taste good!
His birthday excitement extended an extra day when we went on an early morning walk in our PJS to the mailbox to get his gift from Grandpa & Grandma. He loved the car card with a drawing of him inside. Then our home teacher stopped by to give him a box of ice cream sandwiches. He said that giving him a hug when he said thanks would be "too embarrassing" so he just gave him a handshake. He's growing up too fast!

Watching the Stars

Daniel asked me last night, "Mom, can we go watch the stars?" I think my kids have been watching Lion King too many times this week and that spawned the idea for him. So after everyone got there PJs on, even though it was past bedtime we went out on the trampoline to lay down and count the stars. Afterwards, Emily pointed in the sky and said, "Mom, what's that big circle up there." I couldn't believe we've never shown her the moon before. It was a nice ending to a kind of stressful Sunday. Its nice to have kids to remind me of taking time for the little things like stars.

Jacob Lost a Tooth

It seems like Jacob has been waiting forever to lose his first tooth. He's watched Rebecca collect money from the tooth fairy over the years and has been patiently waiting for his turn. One time Rebecca actually "played tooth fairy" and left some money under his pillow with a note just to be sweet because he was discouraged that he hadn' lost any and he's 7. He has 2 new teeth already almost completely in behind his baby teeth and finally one of his bottom teeth came out last night with a little bit of yanking help from Jared. Jacob was so excited and full of questions about the tooth fairy. Does she really have wings? Does she pay more for clean teeth? What does she look like? I let Jared answer them. I wish I didn't lose my card reader because then I could post a picture.

My new piano blog

I decided to create a piano blogspot for my piano preschool mom's to find out more about what we are doing each day. So if you want some fun ideas about teaching piano to your little ones check it out @ http://heidispianonotes.blogspot.com

Piano Adventure Preschool

Now that school has started I decided to do a little preschool for Emily & Dan and a couple of other friends for fun, a little extra $ and incentive for me to consistently teach my children to play the piano. Maybe one of them will learn to be as passionate about music as I am. I find myself thinking of new ideas when I lay in bed at night - but then I can't fall asleep for hours. I try to focus on the little black speckles on the backs of my eyelids - but piano is just way more interesting. At least my mind is addicted to something positive!