Recent Blessings

There are so many things to blog, with so little time. Welcome to IEP season in full force! I have no idea where the time goes, but by the end of the day there is no energy to deal with pics and posts. Seriously, the memory card is full so I NEED to carve out some picture time. Recent events filled with blessings:

1. Norah's birthday was a day filled with joy! It was a Mommy day, her first birthday where I did not have to work. We went to her "Little Class" all decked out in her shamrock wear. Then we picked up a Shamrock shake and small fry to share for a little treat at home. Simon loved her up when he came home from kindergarten. We had lunch and went to the park, as it was a warm day. We climbed, swung, slid, and flew kites. All while wearing a green tiara! Then home for naps, presents and a lovely breakfast dinner. With cake for dessert. She loved her doll house, snap-n-style dolls, and rain coat. A very lovely day to turn 3!!!
2. Watching my sister and her husband deal with their life turning completely topsy-turvy in Japan due to the natural disaster. Seeing how God protected and took care of them every step of the way.
3. Being able to take a small family vacation to truly relax and have some fun. St. Louis was a great vacation spot. Great deals made it all possible! Highlights included City Museum, the best zoo ever, Turtle Park, the hotel pool, and the Arch. Incredible amounts of fun.
4. Having Grandma at our house for several days was just magical. Not one ounce of hesitation, separation anxiety, or unsured-ness. Just pure joy and love.
5. Watching the confusion on Simon's and Norah's faces when "the other" Grandma was with us and Grandma. They rarely have 2 Grandmas together and it was just neat to have that experience.
6. Norah's family birthday party with so much love in the family. Simon and Norah are at the age to really know and enjoy time with cousins.
   
7. Knowing that despite what last year brought, we really are okay and will be okay and can handle anything with God carrying us and helping us to make the best choices with what we have.
8. A meal with Grandpa in Milwaukee. So odd to say hello, eat, then say good-bye. We are so used to days on end before we depart. We already used the trail-a-bike he found and brought for us (since it was 83 degrees today), such a fantastic way to bike as a family.
9. Mail in the mail for the kiddos in the playhouse!
   
10. Warmer weather!
11. Two kids who truly love each other and enjoy each other. So many moments of sibling hugs, hand holding, kisses, giggles, reading together, and taking care of each other. They are both sweet on each other.