A Great Weekend!

On Friday night, we celebrated Shane's 3rd birthday! We found a great McDonalds with a play area ... and a full cafe inside. It was actually called "McCafe" instead of McDonalds. Then, Shane opened his gifts ... mostly various sizes of "bojas" (bull dozers) and new spring clothes. What a fun evening! We are so blessed with this little guy.

On Saturday evening, Greg escorted the girls to the "Me and My Guy" International Ball (a Girl Scout event). They had such a good time! They were able to finally wear the handmade dresses Greg got them in Afghanistan. They did some line dancing and the "funky chicken" ... and learned to waltz. Greg said Ashley really "got down" when they did the Macarana (I have no idea how to spell that!). When they got home, the girls were full of smiles and stories. So much fun!!!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

A Spring-like day!

Yesterday was AMAZING! For the first time since winter began, we had an "unseasonably warm" day. It was near 60 and the sun was shining. Ashley had been sick all weekend, so as soon as we hit the 24-hour mark since her fever had broken, we grabbed light jackets and headed outside.

Kids were everywhere, moms and dads had gathered to talk ... people were even breaking out the grills! What a day. We played outside until the kids were ready to drop ... and until we saw Greg's red car coming around the bend. He had been away all week, so we ran to greet him. A perfect ending to a perfect day!

Sidenote: Today, it rained all day and was quite dreary. However, the day was not a total loss! Shane looked me straight in the eyes today and with a smile that would melt any mother's heart told me I was cute! Love it!!!!

I didn't forget!

Valentine's Day was great! I didn't have a chance to blog that day ... so I will tell you now -- I LOVED having my Valentine at home! We actually got to go on a date. We headed to downtown Stuttgart for lunch, shopping and coffee at Starbucks. And I can still say, ANYTHING with Greg is more fun! It didn't even matter that it was cold and snowy, we just enjoyed being together.

I love you, Greg!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Make a Smilebox postcard

Shake it up baby, now!

Today, Shane and mommy made a banana shake. Our blender was out on the counter for Greg's protein shake last night, and Shane was curious! So, I pulled my kitchen step up to the counter and he helped me pour the milk, toss in the bananas ... and push the "on" button. His eyes were huge as he watched our masterpiece go round and round. He was so proud to drink his shake!

Altogether, the "event" took no more than 10 minutes, and that includes watching Shane drink his creamy shake with a straw, until the last drop was gone. But what a little spirit-lifter it was for me and for my son! Precious time together.

Unfortunately, I have let some other "precious moments" with my children pass me by ... as I fretted about getting housework done, or finishing my work. But lately, the Lord has gently reminded me to pay attention, create memories -- and ensure my most-loved possessions that they are indeed loved and treasured. So, I'm building lego tunnels with Shane ... sounding out and reading countless three-letter words with Alexis ... gluing and coloring pictures with Ashley -- AND having my hair done on occassion by all three. WOW! It is awesome to be a mom!