...and we (moms and kids!) played volleyball

The kids started playing...and then asked us to join in on the fun.

We had a blast! I think the mommies may have enjoyed it more! :)

I was so impressed with Bryce! He has never played before and was doing such a great job with his serve! Go Bryce!

I have no idea what they were shooting at....

but they didn't stop for a long time! I guess only they will know.

Lakers Playoff Game

Tom went to the Lakers Playoff Game last night! I was sooooo jealous! He had box tickets too! Here are some of the pictures he took!

Today Was A Good Day...

Tom is at the Laker's game tonight. (I am so jealous) I have such a loving hubby and father. He took us out to breakfast this a.m. because he knew that he wouldn't be home before the kids went to bed. It is so important to us to have one meal together a day as a family. (I won't mention here how the kids decided to sit at their own table...so we weren't really "together") After breakfast, the kids and I went to the pet store and had the dogs bathed, took in our recycles, played school, rode bikes outside, walked the dogs...and then around three I started to wondered what we could do tonight without daddy. So I took the kids to see a Nim's Island. Way cute. They all enjoyed it. We piled back into the van and started to discuss dinner options. I thought about just going somewhere...but decided to just come home and cook. During dinner Bryce says to me:
Bryce: Mom do you know how you can draw really good stick people?
Me: Yes!
Bryce: Guess what!? Levi can draw them just a nice as you!
I tried so hard to not chuckle. I am the worst at drawing...but somehow I have convinced Bryce that my ability is awesome! So great that he is actually proud of Levi for having the same ability. It was so sweet to see Levi smile proudly while Bryce bragged on and on about him! At least now I know that my art work is comparable to a 4 year old! :)
Bryce fell asleep quickly tonight...so Levi went into to Chloe's room for some reading time. We really have precious little gems! I went in to check on Chloe and Levi only to find them snuggled up in her bed...her arm was around him and she was rubbing his head while she read Farmer Boy. I so wish I hadn't given Tom the camera for the Laker's game! It was indeed a picture worthy moment.
Today was a good day.

I went looking for Levi...

and found him asleep.

Learning to use Chopsticks!

Tom and I took the kids out for Chinese last night. I think we should buy some chopsticks to teach the kids. Tom uses them with as much ease as he does silverware...the kids and I though are still learning. I love these shots of the kids. Levi got fed up of trying and started stabbing the food...and smiling "see, I can do it!" Bryce was a pro from the very beginning! We had a great time! My Aunt Penny and Uncle Mike would be so proud!

Chloe's Birthday!

Chloe had her 8th birthday on Monday. She had a party with a friend at American Girl Place back in April...but somehow I feel like she ended up with two parties! :) We told her she could have a friend spend the night and we would take them to dinner and Golden Spoon. Then another friend stopped over with a gift, and I found myself inviting that friend too! They had a wonderful time. We went bowling, out to dinner, ate ice cream and then rented a movie. They were up until 1a.m. Tom had to go in and get them quiet! I am just a big softy!

Happy Birthday Chloe! We love you!

Bryce Graduates from Kindergarten!!!

We are so proud of Bryce! He is now a first grader! Go Bryce! :)

More pictures from Graduation Night

Un-Birthdays!

Today the kids were able to celebrate their "unbirthday" at school! An unbirthday celebration is for kids who have a birthday in the summer...this way they have a day to celebrate at school too! I can't believe tomorrow is the last day of school.

They had a great time being silly with their friends! Jill Nelson noticed how the their treats match their school uniform! Thanks Jill for bringing in the treats!

My sweet Chloe...

turns 8 this coming Monday.

San Diego

We went to Calvary Ranch again this Sunday to visit our dear friend, Scott. We are so blessed each time we visit Scott. This week he was able to convince Terry to let us pet a horse! The kids were thrilled.

It takes us a hour and half to get there...so the last picture is of Levi asleep in the car. I couldn't resist posting it!

I LOVE Date Nights!!!!

We had a wonderful night tonight with some great friends (Dave and Julie). We went to dinner at Javiers in Newport Beach. The atmosphere is as good as the food! Afterwards we went to the beach and took some fun shots! I love my hubby so much! I am so glad we had our cameras with us. I find that I am always taking pictures of my kids...and don't have many of Tom and I! I am so glad that Tom and I both agree how important it is for us to have time with one another...without the kids. It is so nice to reconnect with him after a long week. It was even more fun to share this evening with our sweet friends. I still can't believe we live here...how gorgeous is CA?!!! Check out the moon in the bottom two pictures! I love you Tom. Thanks for a wonderful night out!

I am thankful for...

my savior's grace and love.

my husbands passion for God, me and our family.

wonderful children

good health

bible based church

my husbands job

supportive friends

a minivan that works (knock on wood:))

St. Augustine Classical Accademy

notes from my children telling me "I am the best mom ever made"

running noses, sticky fingers, dirty dishes, dusty furniture, smelly dogs, hot weather, catching up with family members, laughter from my children as daddy tickles them, listening to my children encourage one another, a rewarding job...a job that allows me to be with my kids all day!, my friend Carrie's commitment to meeting me at the gym at 5 am twice a week, swapping children with my friends so I can get things done and returning the favor, my cell phone, camera, sugar free gum, Skinny latte from Starbucks, great neighbors, a pool in the backyard, smelling the flowers in the front yard, warm water in the shower, the smell of fresh sheets and laundry...

I could go on all night. The Lord has blessed Tom and I with so much and I am so thankful and feel so blessed. Monday was a hard day for me. Our home went on the market and I was a little sadden by it...but then as the week went on I began to think of all the things I am thankful for...and selling my house is now one of those things! God has opened my eyes to so much this week. I feel so loved by my friends...you have all been so supportive. I am brought to tears when I think of how loved I feel by all of you. Thank you for being so awesome. I love you more than you will ever know!

Where does the time go?

I found this picture today when I was looking through pictures of our home when we bought it four years ago...I couldn't believe my eyes...when did my kids get so big? I love looking at pictures from years ago...it helps me to remember to treasure every moment I have with my precious sweeties! They will be all grown up all too soon!