Recitals

Audrey and Richard played in the end of the year piano recital. It was Audrey's first recital, but she did a great job. Well, they both did.

The girls had their end of the year dance recital. Marie did a great job! You could tell she wasn't the most coordinated in the class, but she also looks like she's the youngest. She was so cute! I was pleased with how she did. I was disappointed that Thomas kept trying to grab the video camera and so messed up the recording a couple of times. Scott took enough pictures that we could theoretically watch it in slow motion. 

Audrey did a great job as well! She's really improved in her coordination and grace. Her dance was cute! Scott said he took about 200 pictures. The dance was only about 3 minutes. We could watch it flip-book style!

We went to my parent's cabin over Memorial Day weekend. The kids had a great time! I love making my kids do something out in nature to get them away from technology.

Stitches

The kids were outside riding bikes. While they were out there, Marie tripped on the road and slammed her chin. I'm not sure exactly what happened, because I didn't see it. Audrey brought Marie in the house and said, “Mom! Marie needs help!” I looked at Marie and she had a big blood clot hanging off her chin! Marie wasn't even crying! I told them to grab a tissue, since I was in the middle of feeding Thomas. I then looked at her chin and knew that she needed stitches. The doctor (my dad) first put Marie on the exam table. I must admit I felt a small amount of relief when Dad said, “Yea, this needs stitches.” I was worried at how she would do, because she kept trying to sit back up. I sat by her to hold her hands. Dad started to numb her chin up. She held SO still! She didn't even cry for the first few injections. She only started to cry at the very end of the numbing process, and she continued to hold so still! Dad put drapes on Marie and started to stitch her up. She was amazing and was so cooperative! She didn't even flinch. She didn't try to pull the drapes off. Her eyes were closed since the light was shining in her eyes. She was so relaxed that I wondered if she'd fallen asleep! Even Dad commented on how well she'd done and that he rarely saw kids as young as her be so cooperative! I was very impressed and proud of how she'd done! 

quick update

For those who care what we've been doing for the past couple of months...

We did an Easter egg hunt at my friend's house. A bunch of us moms organized to have our kids do a hunt together instead of doing a city hunt. The city hunt is rumored to be overcrowded, crazy, and not worth the effort. It's especially difficult if you have kids a variety of ages, because they get divided out to different fields (it's at a sports complex) based on their age. So, we plan ones with candy that is better and 10 eggs per kid instead of 2. However, the day before Easter was FREEZING and there was snow on the ground. So, we opted to be inside.

Thomas also got his first haircut. He's the youngest of any of my kids at his first haircut.

Notice the fly aways over his ears. He had kind of a monk look going on. The hair was a lot longer and thicker on the sides than on the top

The after picture. All my boys have a dazed and confused look after their first experience with clippers.

 We also decorated Easter eggs. My kids love to do it. I loved it when I was a kid. It's kind of a weird tradition, but who cares?! It's so much fun!

 My kids got Easter baskets. I don't believe in making Easter another huge gift giving holiday. So, they get a couple of little things and then candy.

Richard played soccer again. He loves it. He made a lot of progress this year because of his great coaches. We've signed him up for a camp at the local university this summer. Hopefully it's a good experience.

Marie wanted to paint her nails and was outside trying to do it herself. She has kid friendly polish that washes off, and so I have no problem with her doing it. I guess Richard found her and decided she needed help. I came across them and thought it was so CUTE! If that doesn't say brotherly love, than what does?

End of the School Year

The kids had programs for the end of their years. They both had cute programs and such. Here are pictures for your viewing pleasure.

Doubled

Guess who finally doubled his birth weight! Thomas weighed in at 13 lb 4 oz today. I weigh him on a weekly basis to make sure he's gaining steadily. He was born at 6 lb 10 oz. It only took him 7 1/2 months to double his weight, but at least he's making progress.

Sometimes, we need a little perspective...

A sister of mine has a niece through marriage that passed away last week. The girl was almost 10. She was born with a congenital heart defect and so has struggled with health problems all her life. Her health has waxed and waned. At one point, she was on a heart transplant list. Her family was expecting her to pass for a significant period of time, and so at least they didn't have to deal with a sudden tragedy. 

The situation has reminded me to be grateful for my circumstances. My "trials" are so minuscule compared to the loss of a child or watching one of my children struggle every day for life. I can't imagine how difficult that would be.

However, this situation also brought to my attention my gratitude for the knowledge that death is not the end of life. I'm so grateful to know that we can be sealed as families. I'm so glad to know that if something tragic happened to one of MY children (or my dear Scott,) that I wouldn't lose that child forever. 

Anyway, just some things I've been thinking about....